What is flying in the pattern mean? Is it necessary to fly the pattern all of the time or is it acceptable to turn the other way once in a while? I really do not want to have to turn left all of the time in circles. Why do you fly in a pattern? It is much more fun to fly around the sky until ready to land it seems to me.

A pattern is usually determined by the winds. The take offs and landings are all done going the same direction which means that all pilots are not expecting a plane to come from the other direction unless an emergancy is declared. It does not mean that you have to fly in the pattern during the entire flight. If there is an area that you can do your aerobatics, then that is where you want to go. When you are done, then you need to reenter the established pattern to land. Good Luck, Dave

Flying in the pattern refers to circling the field in the same general direction and is common when multiple planes are in the air at the same time. (you will see this at fun fly's and large clubs) It helps eliminate confusion and possible midair collisions.
If you are the only one in the air it really don't matter what direction you fly.

I will have to admit that when I saw your threads topic I thought that you where going to be asking about "pattern aerobatics" as opposed to "the pattern". I have made a quick illustration to help you visualize "the pattern". Now if the wind changes direction then the pattern will change direction to allow pilots to land and take off into the wind as best as possible. When you have a predominate cross wind that is when it gets tough. Typicaly we all end flying the way the most limited pilot is comfortable with. Now are you restricted to flying this pattern? Well that depends on your club. I certainly would not fly at a club if all I could fly is the pattern. In general if you are the only one in the air then the airspace is yours to cut up as you will. No need to follow the pattern. If one or more enter the airspace with you aerobatics should be done on the downwind leg of the pattern and upwind passes should be at a higher alltitude to allow for aircraft landing and taking off. There are always exceptions. One of which is when the pilots are in direct communication with one another possibly practiceing formation or team aerobatic routines or in my case just two buddies having a hovering contest over the runway The polite use of the pattern will insure your welcome at your club in the future and the idea is to make a predictable environment for all pilots as when we are flying our models unexpected suprises are not enjoyable... such as a plane comming in from the oposite directionand colliding with yours.

Thanks guys, that really helps!

I agree with what has been said above, but I have to chuckle when guys talk about 'avoiding collisions'. I have been flying about 17 years and have had 4 midair collisions. I seem to get one about every 4 years! [:@] And on every one there were only 2 planes in the air! [:'(][:@]

It has been my experience that you never see it coming. I'm just tooling along when suddenly, WHAPP!! And little pieces flutter to the ground (and usually one big piece with a screaming engine arcing in like an artillery shell!). It's like what army men in the movies say; "You never hear the one that gets ya!".

Oh well. It happens!