Definition
Traffic pattern
The traffic flow that is prescribed for aircraft landing at, taxiing on, or taking off from an airport. The components of a typical traffic pattern are departure, upwind leg, crosswind leg, downwind leg, base leg, and final approach.
Source: FAA Pilot/Controller Glossary (verbatim from the Federal Aviation Regulations).
Where This Term Is Used
- 14 CFR § 91.155 — § 91.155 Basic VFR weather minimums.
- 14 CFR § 91.127 — § 91.127 Operating on or in the vicinity of an airport in Class E airspace.
- 14 CFR § 91.129 — § 91.129 Operations in Class D airspace.
- 14 CFR § 91.130 — § 91.130 Operations in Class C airspace.
- 14 CFR § 61.56 — § 61.56 — Flight Review
5 sections reference this term in their FAR Decoded content.