# Traffic circuit

### VFR Traffic Circuit Operations

A **traffic circuit** (or traffic pattern) is a standard flight path used by aircraft operating at uncontrolled airfields and some controlled aerodromes. The circuit provides a structured approach and departure system that enhances **safety, situational awareness, and collision avoidance**. It is also an essential training tool for pilots, allowing them to practice takeoffs and landings efficiently.

Traffic circuits are typically flown at **1000 feet above ground level (AGL)** unless otherwise specified. At major controlled airports, standard circuits may not be published, and ATC provides instructions for circuit operations based on traffic conditions.

### Circuit Components

The traffic circuit consists of the following key segments:

##### Departure (Upwind)

- Aircraft climbs out after takeoff, completing essential post-takeoff procedures (e.g., retracting gear/flaps, setting climb power).
- ATC may issue specific departure instructions based on airspace constraints.

##### Crosswind

- After reaching a safe altitude, the aircraft turns **90 degrees** to the crosswind leg.
- By this point, the aircraft should be nearing the **circuit altitude**.

##### Downwind

- The aircraft flies parallel to the runway but in the **opposite direction** of landing.
- This is where **position reports** are typically made to inform ATC and other traffic of the aircraft’s location.
- Pilots conduct pre-landing checks, adjusting speed and altitude as needed.

##### Base Leg

- A **90-degree turn** positions the aircraft perpendicular to the runway.
- Descent is initiated, and the **final landing configuration** (flaps, gear) is established.
- Pilots confirm approach clearance (if required) before turning onto final.

##### Final Approach

1. The aircraft aligns with the runway centerline and descends for landing.
2. ATC provides final **wind and clearance information** at controlled aerodromes.
3. Minimal radio transmissions should occur at this stage to allow the pilot to focus on landing.

<p class="callout info">Standard traffic circuits are typically flown with **left turns** unless otherwise specified. If right-hand circuits are in use, all references should include “right” (e.g., **right downwind, right base**).</p>

#### Circuit Phraseology

<table id="bkmrk-scenario-english-fre"><thead><tr><th>Scenario</th><th>English</th><th>French</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>**Requesting Traffic Circuit**</td><td>*Tower, XYZ123, C172, Apron 2, one person, information Golf, for VFR traffic circuit, request taxi.*</td><td>*Tour XYZ123, C172, Apron 2, une personne, information Golf, pour circuit VFR, demande roulage.*</td></tr><tr><td>**Taxi Clearance**</td><td>*XYZ123, taxi to holding point runway 32 via A and B, cross runway 06, QNH 1018.*</td><td>*XYZ123, roulez au point d’arrêt piste 32 via A et B, traversez piste 06, QNH 1018.*</td></tr><tr><td>**Holding Point Report**</td><td>*XYZ123, holding point runway 32, ready for departure.*</td><td>*XYZ123, point d’arrêt piste 32, prêt au décollage.*</td></tr><tr><td>**Takeoff Clearance**</td><td>*XYZ123, join right downwind runway 32, wind 310 degrees, 10 knots, runway 32, cleared for takeoff.*</td><td>*XYZ123, rejoignez vent arrière droit piste 32, vent 310 degrés, 10 nœuds, piste 32, autorisé au décollage.*</td></tr><tr><td>**Downwind Report**</td><td>*XYZ123, right downwind runway 32, for landing.*</td><td>*XYZ123, vent arrière droit piste 32, pour atterrissage.*</td></tr><tr><td>**Landing Clearance**</td><td>*XYZ123, wind 310 degrees, 10 knots, runway 32, cleared to land.*</td><td>*XYZ123, vent 310 degrés, 10 nœuds, piste 32, autorisé à atterrir.*</td></tr><tr><td>**Taxi to Apron**</td><td>*XYZ123, taxi to Apron 2 via D and I.*</td><td>*XYZ123, roulez au parking 2 via D et I.*</td></tr></tbody></table>

#### Right-Hand Circuits &amp; Special Considerations

- **Standard circuits** use **left turns** unless otherwise published.
- If a **right-hand circuit** is required, ATC must explicitly instruct the pilot (e.g., **“join right downwind”**).
- Turns after takeoff, especially **right turns**, require **explicit ATC clearance** to prevent airspace conflicts.

<p class="callout info">E.g. If departing from **runway 32 via an eastern exit route**, ATC should approve a right turn to avoid a long left turn over the airport.</p>

### Circuit Operations at Controlled Airports

At larger controlled airports, standard traffic circuits may not exist due to:

- The variety of aircraft types (from small aircraft to large airliners).
- The need for flexible ATC separation.

At these airports, pilots may be given customized **departure and arrival instructions** instead of following a published circuit.

### Traffic Circuit Delays &amp; ATC Management

When integrating VFR circuits into busy airspace, ATC may use various **delay techniques**:

1. **Extending the Downwind**
    
    
    - ATC instructs pilots to **continue downwind** past the normal turning point.
    - Used to create spacing for IFR arrivals or departing traffic.
2. **360-Degree Orbits**
    
    
    - A pilot may be instructed to **orbit** at a safe location within the circuit.
    - Typically used when ATC needs additional time to manage runway operations.
3. **Holding at a Reporting Point**
    
    
    - ATC may direct pilots to **hold at a designated reporting point** before joining the circuit.
    - Ensures orderly sequencing of multiple VFR arrivals.

<p class="callout info">If a pilot is cleared for one segment of a circuit (e.g., downwind), they **automatically continue** through base and final unless further ATC instructions are given. Controllers must use delaying techniques proactively if separation is required.</p>