Traffic pattern (circuit)

The traffic pattern is the standard path flown around an aerodrome for take-off and landing: upwind, crosswind, downwind, base and final. Direction and altitude are published for each aerodrome.

German term

Platzrunde

Circuits are left-hand unless published otherwise; circuit altitudes often lie around 1,000 ft above aerodrome level but vary by field. Radio calls on downwind and final keep traffic predictable.

For general information only. Always use official sources, your aircraft's flight manual and current national rules for flight decisions.