Traffic Pattern
Pattern entry, sequencing, option clearances, go-arounds
Pattern Entry at a Towered Airport
Don't just show up and fly the pattern. Call Tower inbound with your position and altitude: "[Airport] Tower, Cessna 4 Sierra Uniform, 5 miles northwest, 2,500, landing." Wait for pattern entry instructions. You'll get a runway and either a sequence or direct clearance.
Entering Downwind
“Cessna 4 Sierra Uniform, enter right downwind runway 16, number 2, follow the Piper on base.”
“Enter right downwind runway 16, number 2, traffic in sight, 4 Sierra Uniform.”
"Traffic in Sight" vs. "Looking for Traffic"
Say "traffic in sight" ONLY when you have visual contact with the aircraft you're sequenced behind. If you don't see it yet, say "looking for traffic." ATC will not sequence you behind traffic you can't see — they'll give you different instructions.
Traffic Not in Sight
“Cessna 4 Sierra Uniform, traffic is a Cherokee on a 3-mile final, report traffic in sight.”
“Looking for traffic, 4 Sierra Uniform.”
Cleared for the Option
“Cessna 4 Sierra Uniform, runway 28 Left, cleared for the option.”
“Runway 28 Left, cleared for the option, 4 Sierra Uniform.”
"Cleared for the Option" Means All Five
Touch-and-go, stop-and-go, low approach, missed approach, or full stop — you choose. You don't need to tell Tower which one you're doing unless your intent changes after receiving the clearance.
Go-Around
“Cessna 4 Sierra Uniform, go around.”
“Going around, 4 Sierra Uniform.”
Initiating Your Own Go-Around
You can initiate a go-around at any time without ATC permission. Click the mic AFTER you've added power and are climbing: "4 Sierra Uniform, going around." Don't radio first — fly first.