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Airport operationsQuestion 206 of 934

A pilot enters the traffic pattern at a nontowered airport from the downwind side. Which entry does the PHAK prefer?

  1. A straight-in approach to the base leg
  2. A course at right angles to the downwind leg, at the departure end
  3. A descent to pattern altitude over the runway
  4. A course 45 degrees to the downwind leg, joining at midfield
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Correct answer: A course 45 degrees to the downwind leg, joining at midfield

The preferred entry from the downwind side is at 45 degrees to the downwind leg, joining at midfield.

Source: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), Chapter 14: Airport Operations — Types of Airports (Nontowered Airport), page 336

Practice airport operations

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026