Joining the circuit at controlled aerodromes
Join per ATC clearance; phraseology below.
Radio phraseology (TP 1102, The Circuit: Joining the Circuit (Controlled Airports)):
- Drop the word "leg" when reporting circuit position: "downwind", not "downwind leg".
- Downwind call recommended when abeam the control tower.
Joining by situation:
| Situation | Join | Cite |
|---|---|---|
| Approaching active runway from non-active side | Downwind abeam a point roughly midway between runway ends, if ATC authorizes; account for aircraft performance, wind, runway length | RAC 4.3 |
| Cleared for right-hand approach, left-hand circuit in effect | Right-hand downwind, or directly onto right-hand base, as cleared | RAC 4.4.2 |
| "Cleared to the circuit" | Downwind at circuit height; crosswind first if approach direction and runway in use call for it | RAC 4.4.2 |
| Straight-in (ATC clearance) | Final direct, normally at less than 1,000 ft AAE; no other circuit leg flown | RAC 4.4.2 |
"Cleared to the circuit" authorizes (RAC 4.4.2), if the turn can be made safely:
| Turn | Joins |
|---|---|
| Right turn | Crosswind |
| Partial right turn | Left-hand circuit |
Trap: "Cleared to the circuit" does not authorize a left turn.
References
- TC AIM RAC 4.3
- TC AIM RAC 4.4.2
- TP 1102, The Circuit: Joining the Circuit (Controlled Airports)