Airport Operations

LEGEND Recommended standard left-hand traffic pattern (depicted) (standard right-hand traffic pattern would be mirror image) Downwind Final Departure RUNWAY 14-22 esaB dniwssorC Application of traffic pattern indicators ntr y E 1 2 ure Segmented circle De part 5 6 3 4 6 Departure Figure 14-39. Traffic pattern operations—single runway. 6. If remaining in the traffic pattern, commence turn to Radio Equipment crosswind leg beyond the departure end of the runway In general aviation, the most common types of radios are within 300 feet of pattern altitude. [Figure 14-40] VHF. A VHF radio operates on frequencies between 118.0 megahertz (MHz) and 136.975 MHz and is classified as 7. If departing the traffic pattern, continue straight out, 720 or 760 depending on the number of channels it can or exit with a 45° turn (to the left when in a left-hand accommodate. The 720 and 760 use .025 MHz (25 kilohertz traffic pattern; to the right when in a right-hand traffic (KHz) spacing (118.025, 118.050) with the 720 having a pattern) beyond the departure end of the runway, after frequency range up to 135.975 MHz and the 760 reaching reaching pattern altitude. [Figure 14-40] up to 136.975 MHz. VHF radios are limited to line of sight 8. Do not continue on a track that penetrates the departure transmissions; therefore, aircraft at higher altitudes are able path of the parallel runway. [Figure 14-40] to transmit and receive at greater distances. Radio Communications In March of 1997, the International Civil Aviation Organization Operating in and out of a towered airport, as well as in a good (ICAO) amended its International Standards and Recommended portion of the airspace system, requires that an aircraft have two- Practices to incorporate a channel plan specifying 8.33 kHz way radio communication capability. For this reason, a pilot channel spacings in the Aeronautical Mobile Service. The should be knowledgeable of radio station license requirements 8.33 kHz channel plan was adopted to alleviate the shortage of and radio communications equipment and procedures. VHF ATC channels experienced in western Europe and in the United Kingdom. Seven western European countries and the Radio License United Kingdom implemented the 8.33 kHz channel plan on There is no license requirement for a pilot operating in the January 1, 1999. Accordingly, aircraft operating in the airspace United States; however, a pilot who operates internationally of these countries must have the capability of transmitting and is required to hold a restricted radiotelephone permit issued receiving on the 8.33 kHz spaced channels. by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). There is also no station license requirement for most general Using Proper Radio Procedures aviation aircraft operating in the United States. A station Using proper radio phraseology and procedures contribute to license is required, however, for an aircraft that is operating a pilot’s ability to operate safely and efficiently in the airspace internationally, that uses other than a VHF radio, and that system. A review of the Pilot/Controller Glossary contained meets other criteria. in the AIM assists a pilot in the use and understanding of