PA.III.B.K2FAA-S-ACS-6C · Nov 2023Knowledge
Traffic pattern selection for the current conditions.
Traffic pattern selection for the current conditions.
Bottom line
Unless otherwise indicated, all turns in the traffic pattern must be made to the left, except for helicopters, as applicable. A pilot may vary the size of the traffic pattern depending on the aircraft's performance characteristics. Pilots can obtain the traffic pattern altitude for an airport from the Chart Supplement U.S.
Key numbers
| Number | What it means |
|---|---|
| 1,000 feet AGL | Prop entry |
| not less than 1,500 feet AGL or 500 feet above pattern altitude | Turbine entry |
| 500 feet AGL | Helicopter pattern |
| at least 500 feet above pattern altitude | Midfield crossing |
FAA references
- AIM 4-3-3 (Traffic Patterns) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
- PHAK ch. 14 (p. 14-20) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
- PHAK ch. 14 (p. 14-2) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
- PHAK ch. 14 (p. 14-3) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
- 14 CFR 91.130 (Operations in Class C airspace.) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
- AIM 4-3-5 (Unexpected Maneuvers in the Airport Traffic Pattern) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
Build understanding you can use
Unlock the full lesson and continue studying this element.
- Full teaching sections: What it is; Key points; Rules and numbers; How it is done
- Check your understanding with answers you can reveal
- Common mistakes paired with the FAA facts that correct them