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Preferred downwind-side pattern entry

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 20 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

QUESTIONWhen a manned aircraft arrives from the downwind side of a non-towered airport, what is the preferred way to enter the traffic pattern?

  1. AOn a 45-degree course to the downwind leg, joining at midfield
  2. BBy crossing over midfield at a right angle to the runway and then turning onto base
  3. CBy joining the base leg directly from the downwind side
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. On a 45-degree course to the downwind leg, joining at midfield

  • A — correct The study guide says the preferred method for entering from the downwind side is to approach on a course 45 degrees to the downwind leg and join the pattern at midfield.
  • B — incorrect The study guide does not describe a crosswise midfield crossing; the preferred entry is the 45-degree approach to the downwind leg.
  • C — incorrect Entry is made to the downwind leg at midfield, not directly onto the base leg.

BACKGROUND

The study guide explains that non-towered airport traffic patterns are entered at pattern altitude and that the entry depends on the direction of arrival. When arriving from the downwind side of the pattern, the preferred method is to approach on a course 45 degrees to the downwind leg and join the pattern at midfield. Chapter 7 shows the same entry in its radio example, where an aircraft reports entering the pattern mid-field left downwind. Knowing this standard entry helps a remote pilot anticipate where inbound manned aircraft will appear.

STUDY TIP

Picture the entry: a 45-degree line aimed at the middle of the downwind leg. That mental picture also tells you where to expect inbound manned traffic.

KEY POINTS

  • Preferred downwind-side entry is a 45-degree course to the downwind leg.
  • The aircraft joins the pattern at midfield.
  • Radio calls such as "entering mid-field left downwind" describe this entry.

SOURCES

  • remote_pilot_study_guide.txt ch11 "Non-towered Airport"
  • 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.