"The 180" After the downwind leg segment, a second 180 turn is made so as to
establish the aircraft on final approach. Up until the time that the second 180 turn is
started, the aircraft remains at the traffic pattern altitude.
Final approach Regardless of the type of aircraft or the type of approach, all arriving
aircraft must fly at least one common component of a standard traffic pattern--final
approach.
Visual Holding of VFR Aircraft
Often, you will need to hold arriving VFR aircraft to adjust the flow of traffic. When this
becomes necessary, clear the aircraft to hold at selected, prominent geographical fixes
that are easily recognized from the air. If you have more than one aircraft holding at the
same fix, issue traffic information.
Issue the following additional landing information to aircraft that will conduct an
overhead approach:
Traffic pattern altitude and direction of turns. You may omit either or both when
they are standard or you know that the pilot is familiar with a nonstandard
procedure.
If needed, request the pilot to report the "Initial."
If required for traffic reasons, request that the pilot report the "Break." Specify the
point of break if it is nonstandard or you desire to change the break point for
traffic reasons.
Ground Traffic Movement
Issue by radio or directional light signals specific instructions which approve or
disapprove the movement of aircraft, vehicles, equipment, or personnel on the
movement area except where permitted in an LOA.
1. Do not issue conditional instructions that are dependent upon the movement of
an arrival aircraft on or approaching the runway or a departure aircraft
established on a takeoff roll. Do not say, ―Position and hold behind landing
traffic,‖ or ―Taxi/proceed across Runway Three Six behind departing/landing
Jetstar.‖ The above requirements do not preclude issuing instructions to follow an
aircraft observed to be operating on the movement area in accordance with an
ATC clearance/instruction and in such a manner that the instructions to follow are
not ambiguous.
2. Do not issue unconditional instructions when authorizing movement on a
runway/taxiway for the purpose of airfield checks or other airport operations.
Instructions must ensure positive control with specific instructions to proceed on
a runway or movement area and, as necessary, hold short instructions.
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