FAA Private Pilot Helicopter (PRH)Navigation and AirspaceMedium
A helicopter pilot approaching an uncontrolled airport at dusk sees a segmented circle with an L-shaped traffic pattern indicator extending from the runway 9 landing strip indicator, pointing toward the south side of the runway. What does this indicate to the pilot?
- AAll turns in the traffic pattern for runway 9 should be made to the left
- BRunway 9 is reserved for helicopter operations only
- CAll turns in the traffic pattern for runway 9 should be made to the right
- DThe runway is closed to landing traffic
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. All turns in the traffic pattern for runway 9 should be made to the right
The L-shaped traffic pattern indicators in a segmented circle show the direction turns should be made when entering or flying the pattern for a specific runway. An indicator extending to the side that requires right turns to stay within the pattern indicates a right-hand pattern for that runway, per AIM guidance on airport traffic pattern indicators.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Left-hand pattern is the default and would not require a special indicator in most cases.
- B. Segmented circle traffic pattern indicators do not designate runways exclusively for helicopters.
- D. A closed runway is marked with an X on the runway, not by traffic pattern indicators.
Segmented Circle System
A visual ground marking installed at airports without an operating control tower that shows wind direction, landing direction, and traffic pattern direction for each runway.
- Traffic pattern indicators are L-shaped and show whether turns are left or right for a given runway
- The tetrahedron shows landing direction (points into the wind)
- A wind sock or wind cone always points into the wind, showing where the wind is coming from
Memory trick: Circle Wind Tetra Strip Turns — 'Cats Wear Tiny Striped Ties'