FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR)Airspace and AirportsMedium
A pilot is departing from a nontowered airport and observes a segmented circle with a 'T' inside of it. What information does this indicator provide?
- AA recommended landing direction for all aircraft.
- BThe direction of the traffic pattern for the airport.
- CThe location of the wind direction indicator.
- DThe taxi route to the active runway.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The direction of the traffic pattern for the airport.
A segmented circle is a visual indicator system at nontowered airports. The 'T' (landing direction indicator) within the segmented circle indicates the landing direction and, consequently, the direction of the traffic pattern. The crossbar of the 'T' shows the runway to be used, and the stem shows the direction of landing.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. It indicates the landing direction, which implies a recommended direction, but its primary function is to show the pattern direction.
- C. The wind direction indicator (wind sock) is usually near the segmented circle, but the 'T' itself indicates landing/pattern direction.
- D. Taxi routes are not indicated by the 'T' in the segmented circle.
Segmented Circle 'T' Indicator
At nontowered airports, a 'T' (landing direction indicator) within a segmented circle indicates the landing direction and, by extension, the direction of the airport's traffic pattern.
- Found at nontowered airports.
- Part of a segmented circle.
- Indicates landing direction.
- Also indicates traffic pattern direction.
Memory trick: Circles and shapes tell the story of the airport's flow.