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LESSON · CIRCUITS AND JOINS · 15 MINUTES

Joining the circuit.

At a non-towered aerodrome the circuit is where aircraft converge. A predictable join, at the right height, on the right side, keeps you where everyone else expects you to be.

Why there is a standard

At a non-towered aerodrome nobody is directing traffic. Everyone in the circuit relies on everyone else flying the same pattern and saying where they are. A standard join lets you arrive without knowing the wind or the runway, and still slot in where others expect you.

Both countries use the same idea: cross the aerodrome above circuit traffic, read the windsock and the traffic, get down to circuit height away from the circuit, then join at a predictable point. The numbers, the names and the radio calls differ.

The one rule that matters most

Never descend from above onto the side of the circuit where the traffic flies. Your own aircraft hides what is below you, and the aircraft below is looking ahead, not up.

NEW ZEALAND · NON-TOWERED AERODROME

Standard overhead join

TRAFFIC SIDENON-TRAFFIC SIDEUPWINDCROSSWINDDOWNWINDBASEFINAL0927TAKE-OFF DIRECTION
This example assumes circuit traffic at 1,000 ft above the aerodrome, so the overhead crossing is at 1,500 ft. Always check AIP New Zealand for the aerodrome.

1,500 ft+ above the aerodrome

Inbound

Arrive above circuit traffic, listening on the aerodrome frequency.

RadioCall 5 to 10 NM out.

The recommended join at unattended aerodromes. It makes you predictable when you cannot be sure what the circuit is doing. It is generally not used at aerodromes with an aerodrome flight information service.

CHECK YOURSELF

3 questions on joining and flying the circuit in New Zealand.

Original practice questions, each quoting the clause it is based on.

QUESTION 1 OF 3New Zealand

Under NZ Civil Aviation Rule 91.223(a)(3), you are flying an aeroplane to land at an aerodrome published in the AIPNZ. ATC has not authorised or instructed otherwise, the AIPNZ does not specify a right-hand circuit for your runway, Part 93 sets no special aerodrome traffic rules for the aerodrome, and you are not flying an instrument procedure. It is not an aviation event or an agricultural aircraft operation, and no other aircraft are in the circuit. Which aerodrome traffic circuit must you fly?

QUESTION 2 OF 3New Zealand

Under NZ Civil Aviation Rule 91.223(a)(2), you are flying an aeroplane in the vicinity of an aerodrome where other aircraft are flying an aerodrome traffic circuit. ATC has not authorised or instructed you otherwise. What must you do?

QUESTION 3 OF 3New Zealand

Under NZ Civil Aviation Rule 91.127(c), a pilot must not operate an aircraft in an aerodrome traffic circuit unless the aircraft can be manoeuvred clear of any obstructions and without conflicting with what?

These are not Aspeq exam questions. Learning only: always check AIP New Zealand for the aerodrome you are flying to. Sources and licences