ATC directions

[Stanley777]

Hi everyone,

 

I am confused about the following type of direction from ATC:

 

Let's simplify the situation. Imagine that I am due north of an airport with a runway number 18/36. I request permission to land.

 

Then ATC issues this directive: "Enter left traffic, runway 36."

 

I respond with this acknowledgment: "Enter left downwind runway 36."

 

So this is what confuses me. Am I supposed to fly downwind to the west of the runway (after which, of course, I would fly base to the east) or am I supposed to fly downwind to the east of the runway (after which, of course, I would fly base to the west)?

 

Thank you.

 

Stanley

[kaashaas]

A left hand pattern means you make left turns in the pattern. So a left hand pattern on a runway 36 will lead you to a downwind leg west of the runway.

Note: the entry and exit procedures are slightly different in Europe; entry half way the downwind leg on a 90 degree intercept, exit halfway the crosswind leg after take off instead of at the initial turn point.

 

 

Grtz., Hans

[Stanley777]

Thank you Hans. That explains everything.

[kaashaas]

You're welcome!

 

 

Grtz., Hans