Private Pilot Flight Training and Instruction Flight Training Article Library | Back To 4VFR.COM Thinking Through Patterns Depending on the student or airport weather conditions I will use paper diagrams and walk through the patterns on the ramp. I will illustrate turns about a point, rectangular patterns, course reversals, 8's, and S-turns. I will explain the ground track as flown in calm conditions in both left and right turns as well as though in a strong wind with steep and shallow banks and crab angle. All closed patterns will be initiated in left turns with right turns to follow. Once I have covered the turns about a point in both left and right turns by both diagram and a walk through with course reversal, I will diagram a rectangle. The bank required throughout each of the four corners in left and right turns will be the same as the banks required in the four quadrants of the circles. The only difference is that the crab angle along the crosswind straight legs of the rectangle will be held corner to corner. This will be the same crab angle held at top and bottom of the circle. From the diagram I will go to a walk through with emphasis upon entry and exit from each corner. The paper diagram will indicate the crab positions of the nose best. The walk through with arms extended for bank will best indicate the bank required to adjust for ground speed changes due to wind. It is best that the first full ground reference lesson of the required patterns be in calm winds. I find that calm winds are more likely in the early morning. At least one full session should be in flying the patterns under winds of 15 knots or greater. Given the choice, I find that calm wind instruction is best in the morning with stronger winds occurring later. Written by Gene Whitt Flight Training Article Library | Back To 4VFR.COM