The recent tragic mid-air collision near Corona airport has many pilots concerned for the operations at non-towered fields with safety a growing concern. Perhaps this would be an appropriate time to briefly review basic pilot operations at these airports.  

Traffic at uncontrolled fields can range from one airplane to as many as five or more at any given time. A pilot must deploy appropriate pattern entry procedures before attempting an entry into the pattern. There is the added aggravation of the varied speeds of the different airplanes in the pattern, and determining from time to time who is entering the pattern and from which direction and altitude.

The Airman's Information Manual (AIM) is a great source of review on traffic pattern operations.

Once the active runway and traffic pattern has been determined begin announcing your position in the pattern to alert others. Simply enter at a forty-five degree angle to the downwind leg at pattern altitude and speed that will blend with other aircraft. For the vast majority of single engine airplanes this will be approximately 80-90 knots. For faster singles and twins in accordance with manufactures recommended procedures. During the entry, look for traffic departing and traffic returning to the downwind from the crosswind leg. Slow your entry if necessary to adjust for traffic turning from the crosswind to downwind should a conflict exist. If necessary, reenter the pattern by executing a 360 degree turn to the right if the pattern is left hand or to the left if the pattern is right hand. This should be done prior to the downwind entry position.

Reports should be given for the entry on the “45” and the remaining legs of the pattern. When established in the traffic pattern, make speed adjustments so as to maintain safe separation from other aircraft and consider the performance and limitations of slower or less maneuverable aircrafts.

Be alert for inappropriate entries by others such as a direct entry to a base leg or final approach. Also be alert for non-radio aircrafts, pilots who are not announcing, and or mis-announcing their intentions or positions. Remember mid-air collision hazard also exists when VFR aircraft traffic coexists with IFR aircrafts making instrument approaches to the field. Such aircrafts may be approaching the field at minimum descent altitudes which may come into conflict with the VFR aircrafts in the pattern.

Should you find yourself in conflict with an aircraft on final approach while you are on the base leg, give way, stop your descent and turn in the direction of the runway, climb and abort the approach.

Prior to departing, do a “360” in the runup area if possible, to check for approaching air traffic from your blind side prior to taxiing onto the runway. When clear, announce your intentions. For example; Cherokee 123SB taking the active runway 25, Corona, straight out departure, etc. Communicate as much information as possible while exercising brevity at the same time.

Use of landing and strobe lights during entry and departure will make your position more visible to others.

Gather as much information as possible for a particular non-towered airport you intend to fly to. The Airport Facility Directory is a valuable source for this. Many airports provide information on their websites for operations peculiar to their airports.

In summary, (1) Situational awareness. fly alert by knowing where you are and where other traffic is. Maintain a sharp lookout! (2) fly professionally by exercising courtesy in observing proper spacing in the pattern, while taxing and while departing the airport. (3) Communicate effectively by self-announcing your position while entering and flying the pattern and on taxi and takeoff. (4) Understand the traffic pattern in general and the specific traffic pattern of the airport you intend to fly to.   

These all adds up to SAFETY.