Leaving the circuit

Uncontrolled aerodrome:

• Climb straight ahead on runway heading to circuit traffic altitude before any turn.
• No turn back toward circuit or airport until at least 500 ft above highest circuit altitude in use.

Towing a glider: expect unusual or varied departure track, keeping glider within gliding distance of aerodrome if tow rope breaks.

Controlled aerodrome:

• Left-hand circuit: right turn after takeoff needs tower permission. If not granted, follow controller instructions until clear of zone.
• Staying in zone after leaving circuit: expect tower to ask you to remain on its frequency and advise exercise type, altitude, and where it will be flown.
• Leaving zone: needs tower permission to stop monitoring its frequency. Tower has jurisdiction over all VFR traffic in its zone.
• No two-way radio: remain clear of control zones, unless prior arrangement with ATC (TP 1102, The Circuit: Leaving the Circuit (Controlled Airports)).

Trap: turning right out of a left-hand controlled circuit without tower permission.

Practice