Lesson 2d - Airport Procedures

Lesson Objective

During this lesson, the student/candidate will learn the appropriate airport procedures, including the shape of the traffic pattern. The student will learn the airport markings, and procedures for avoiding runway incursions. Candidates for the Practical test will be expected to know about Land and Hold Short (LAHSO) procedures at controlled airports.

Regulatory Requirement

• Pre-Solo pilot (Student Pilot and Transition Pilots): §61.87(i)(5)
• Private Pilot Test Candidate: PTS Area of Operation III(A,B,C)
• Local procedures and policies of management of KFRR

Content

• Airport markings
• Runway markings
• Taxiway markings
• Pattern shape and flexibility
• Adjustment of pattern shape to fit the immediate need
• Powered Air Traffic Operations

Completion Standards

When complete, the student will understand the role and function of the pattern, and most importantly the complete flexibility of the pattern. The student will also understand that the pattern is not the goal, getting the aircraft on the ground is the goal. The student will be able to explain:

• The mechanics of the pattern
• Differences between the powered traffic pattern versus glider traffic pattern
• Range of flexibility in the pattern
• General altitudes for beginning the pattern.
• Judgment of angles during pattern approach

Prerequisite Study

• Skyline Soaring Club Operations Manual Appendix B, Front Royal Operations
• Aeronautical Information Manual Chapter 4, Sections
  • 4-3-1,
  • 4-3-2,
  • 4-3-3
  • 4-3-4
• Glider Flying Handbook (2024), Chapter 7, pages 7-31 through 7-36
• FAA Advisory Circular Recommended Standard Traffic Patterns AC 90-66A
• FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge Runway Incursion Avoidance. Appendix 1

Recommended Study

• Aeronautical Information Manual
  
  • Taxiway Lights AIM 2-1-10
  • Airport Pavement Markings AIM 2-3-2
  • Runway Markings AIM 2-3-3
  • Taxiway Markings AIM 2-3-4
  • Displaced Threshold Markings AIM Figure 2-3-4
  • Taxiways Located in Runway Approach Area AIM Figure 2-3-15

Further Study

• AOPA Online Courses Runway Safety (Cool!)  (Requires AOPA membership)