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Traffic pattern entry from the downwind side

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 7 of 31 on Airspace / Operational Requirements. ACS element UA.II.B.K3 · difficulty: standard. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONA remote pilot is operating near a non-towered airport and wants to anticipate where arriving manned aircraft will be. According to the study guide, what is the preferred method for an aircraft entering the pattern from the downwind side?

  1. AJoin the pattern on the base leg at an altitude below pattern altitude
  2. BApproach on a course 45 degrees to the downwind leg and join at midfield
  3. CCross over the airport above pattern altitude and descend onto the base leg
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Approach on a course 45 degrees to the downwind leg and join at midfield

  • A — incorrect Non-towered traffic patterns are always entered at pattern altitude, and the preferred entry is to the downwind leg, not the base leg.
  • B — correct The study guide states that the preferred entry from the downwind side is a course 45 degrees to the downwind leg, joining the pattern at midfield.
  • C — incorrect The study guide does not describe this as the preferred entry; it names the 45-degree entry to the downwind leg at midfield.

BACKGROUND

The Remote Pilot Study Guide explains that non-towered airport traffic patterns are always entered at pattern altitude, and that the method of entry depends on the direction of arrival. The preferred method when arriving from the downwind side is to approach on a course 45 degrees to the downwind leg and join the pattern at midfield. The radio-procedures chapter gives the same picture, with a manned aircraft announcing that it is entering mid-field left downwind on a standard 45-degree entry. Knowing this pattern helps a remote pilot predict where manned aircraft will be and keep the small unmanned aircraft clear of them.

STUDY TIP

Visualize the rectangular pattern and the 45-degree entry to the downwind leg; expect manned traffic to appear there at pattern altitude.

KEY POINTS

  • Non-towered traffic patterns are entered at pattern altitude.
  • Preferred downwind-side entry is 45 degrees to the downwind leg at midfield.
  • Remote pilots use this knowledge to stay clear of manned traffic.

SOURCES

  • Remote Pilot Study Guide (remote_pilot_study_guide.txt) ch11 "Types of Airports"
  • Remote Pilot Study Guide (remote_pilot_study_guide.txt) ch7 "Recommended Traffic Advisory Practices"
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SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on 14 CFR part 107, 14 CFR part 89, and the FAA Remote Pilot – Small UAS Study Guide (FAA-G-8082-22). Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.