PPL.III.B — Traffic Patterns

Objective: To determine that the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with traffic patterns.

Knowledge

The applicant demonstrates understanding of:

• PA.III.B.K1Towered and nontowered airport operations.
• PA.III.B.K2Runway selection for the current conditions.
• PA.III.B.K3Right-of-way rules.
• PA.III.B.K4Use of automated weather and airport information.

Risk Management

The applicant demonstrates the ability to identify, assess and mitigate risks, encompassing:

• PA.III.B.R1Collision hazards, to include aircraft, terrain, obstacles, and wires.
• PA.III.B.R2Distractions, loss of situational awareness, and/or improper task management.
• PA.III.B.R3Wake turbulence and/or windshear.

Skills

The applicant demonstrates the ability to:

• PA.III.B.S1Properly identify and interpret airport/seaplane base runways, taxiways, markings, signs, and lighting.
• PA.III.B.S2Comply with recommended traffic pattern procedures.
• PA.III.B.S3Correct for wind drift to maintain the proper ground track.
• PA.III.B.S4Maintain orientation with the runway/landing area in use.
• PA.III.B.S5Maintain traffic pattern altitude, ±100 feet, and the appropriate airspeed, ±10 knots.
• PA.III.B.S6Maintain situational awareness and proper spacing from other aircraft in the traffic pattern.