The Standard Circuit

Predictable Circuits Increase Safety

We all fly circuits in our own way, to suit our style and aircraft type, pilots with a gypsy powered Auster may fly a steeper approach than the motor glider. Training helicopter pilots will fly a different pattern than a warbird pilot. The ideal circuit below is what should be flown when possible.

Standard circuit credit CAANZ GAP Instructor guide

Tip in point to give final turn at 500” on 3 degree slope this should be the most consistent point in the circuit excluding the aircraft types that cannot manage it as covered later.

Standard Circuit Size High Wing note the cross brace on the strut is on the centre-line

Standard Circuit Size Low Wing at 800 feet note centre-line is still within the aileron span

What About Warbirds?

If you hear “Spitfire” “Yak” “Harvard” or some other warbird type on the radio you need to assume the pilot will make a short curved approach. The fighter types have poor visibility over the nose so will tip in for the base leg abeam the down-wind threshold. My rule of thumb that I teach in these types is “number one mid down wind” which means early down wind the only aircraft ahead must be short final. The Rangiora based spitfire circuit speed is one hundred and twenty knots and ninety knots final approach with almost zero forward visibility. If you are in the circuit with these guys think about how you can either let them go ahead or make a full stop if training to make some space.

Spitfire curved approach prior to wings level

Spitfire pilots view short final wings level just prior to fence, note airspeed

Training Helicopters

Helicopter instructors spend much of their time training auto rotations (autos). The straight in auto has the same circuit shape and size as a fixed wing but with an engine failure and resulting “drop like a stone” type approach short final. The 180 auto however has a very close circuit at standard circuit height but spaced much like the low inertia microlight circuit below with a “drop like a stone” descent through 180 degrees. If auto’s are being carried out be aware of the very high rate of descent and lack of visibility the helicopter pilot has during the final approach.

Pilots MUST clear the area high on final and base before taxiing out to take off, a three hundred and sixty degree turn is best for checking out for autorotating helicopters.

Speeds

The recognised standard speed for entering the aerodrome vicinity and circuit is around ninety knots. Entering the joining procedure and circuit at a constant speed leads to more predictability which makes things safer.

Circuit Heights

Be aware that low-level circuits carry more risk than standard circuits. If an incident occurs the pilot conducting the low-level circuit is more likely to be in the wrong due to flying a non-standard circuit.

I am a proponent of low-level circuits for training though, all pilots must be proficient at low level circuits so poor weather and airstrip operations can be handled with ease. If you need a brush up, grab and instructor and go out for a practice, the extra eyes and ears will assist with situational awareness.

Turns In The Circuit

Published circuit direction must be adhered to unless exempted by only a small number of exceptions. Remember to roll wings level on the crosswind and base legs to clear the blind spots around you. Talk to your flying instructor and/or look up the AIP you have any questions on circuit procedures.

Download AIP Aerodrome Operations

Grass Runway Wear

Landing slightly left or right of the centre line on wide runways to protect grass runways is OK if you are certain of your directional control. Braking is generally better away from the exposed earth of the worn centreline. 

Radio Calls

Clear Concise Correct Consistent

Keep words to a minimum, talk slowly and make sure you say where you are in the circuit if not mid down wind. Eg; early down wind, late downwind, with your number.

Always pre-empt what other pilots will be wanting to know. Put yourself in their shoes.

Priority and Conflict

Remember to keep up-to-date on AIP joining and priority procedures. Those in the circuit have priority over those joining and those in the overhead join have priority over the pilot joining direct. 

Learning Circuits

Starting to fly circuits can be overwhelming for some. Instructors, please ensure your students general flying ability is confident and accurate before teaching circuits, the student should be able to fly accurate circuits at altitude before entering the circuit exercises. The circuit itself should be predominantly for teaching the approach and landing, situational awareness, varying weather etc etc. Full stops should also be taught to start with until the take-off, landing roll and procedures are all to a proficient level. If the student just needs a little more time in the down-wind just extend up-wind slightly rather than extending down-wind.

Extending down-wind is a terrible habit for students to fall back on when the circuit is busy. 

The Last Word

We are very lucky to have the freedom to fly the way we do in this country. Let’s be humble and take pride in our flying while treating other pilots with the respect they deserve.

If you need to have a chat with someone, do it with compassion and respect. Expect the same from others if they have a grumble at you. We all make mistakes and need to have the odd reminder.

Talk with your instructor about circuits when you do your next BFR to make sure you are compliant and predictable.

Most of all, keep having fun and always look to improve your flying standards by seeking knowledge and practicing when the opportunity presents itself, this experience is the source of wisdom.