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Traffic pattern entry altitude

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 19 of 22 on Operations / Airport Operations. ACS element UA.V.B.K3 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONAt a non-towered airport, at what altitude does a manned aircraft enter the traffic pattern?

  1. A500 feet above pattern altitude, then descending
  2. BAt pattern altitude
  3. CAt 400 feet AGL
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. At pattern altitude

  • A — incorrect The study guide describes entry at pattern altitude itself, not from above it.
  • B — correct The study guide states that non-towered airport traffic patterns are always entered at pattern altitude.
  • C — incorrect 400 feet above ground level is the altitude limit for a small unmanned aircraft in § 107.51(b), not a manned aircraft traffic pattern entry altitude.

BACKGROUND

Manned aircraft at an airport fly a rectangular traffic pattern around the runway in use. The study guide states that at a non-towered airport the traffic pattern is always entered at pattern altitude, and that how a pilot enters depends on the direction of arrival. Because manned aircraft in the pattern are flying at that altitude near the airport, a remote pilot who understands where pattern traffic will be can better avoid interfering with it, as § 107.43 requires. The 400-foot limit that applies to small unmanned aircraft under § 107.51(b) is unrelated to manned traffic pattern altitude.

STUDY TIP

Keep the two altitudes separate in your mind: pattern altitude belongs to manned aircraft, 400 feet AGL belongs to the small UA.

KEY POINTS

  • Non-towered airport traffic patterns are always entered at pattern altitude.
  • The entry method depends on the direction of arrival.
  • 400 feet AGL is the small UA altitude limit, not a traffic pattern altitude.

SOURCES

  • remote_pilot_study_guide.txt ch11 "Non-towered Airport"
  • 14 CFR 107.51(b)
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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.