PA.III.B.S6FAA-S-ACS-6C · Nov 2023Skills
Maintain situational awareness and proper spacing from other aircraft in the traffic pa...
Maintain situational awareness and proper spacing from other aircraft in the traffic pattern.
Bottom line
Pilots operating in the traffic pattern should be alert at all times for aircraft executing straight-in approaches. Before joining the downwind leg, adjust your course or speed to blend into the traffic. Always remember to give way to aircraft on the preferred 45-degree entry and to aircraft already established on downwind.
FAA references
- 14 CFR 91.113 (Right-of-way rules: Except water operations.) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
- 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. 14-3) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
- PHAK ch. 14 (p. 14-2) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
- 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)
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