A pilot is approaching a nontowered airport and observes that the segmented circle has a landing direction indicator (a large 'T') aligned with Runway 27. Additionally, a wind cone indicates a wind from the north. Which runway and traffic pattern entry should the pilot plan for?
- ARunway 09, left traffic.
- BRunway 27, right traffic.
- CRunway 27, left traffic.
- DRunway 09, right traffic.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Runway 27, left traffic.
The landing direction indicator (large 'T') in the segmented circle provides the primary indication of the favored runway for landing and takeoff at a nontowered airport. It overrides the wind cone if there's a conflict, indicating the runway to use. The 'T' aligned with Runway 27 means use Runway 27. The crossbar of the 'T' indicates the base leg, and the stem points down the final approach. If there are no other indicators, standard left traffic is assumed. The wind cone is secondary to the 'T' indicator.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Runway 09 is incorrect based on the 'T' indicator. Left traffic is standard, but the runway is wrong.
- B. While Runway 27 is correct, right traffic is not indicated by the 'T' or other information provided.
- D. Runway 09 would be landing with a tailwind based on the 'T' indicator, which is incorrect. Right traffic is not indicated.
Landing Direction Indicator (Segmented Circle)
A landing direction indicator, often a large 'T' or tetrahedron, indicates the preferred runway for landing and takeoff at airports without an operating control tower, overriding other wind indications.
- Located within the segmented circle.
- Indicates the runway to use for landing and takeoff.
- The stem of the 'T' or tetrahedron points into the wind and indicates the landing runway.
- Overrides wind sock/cone if different, as it's the airport's chosen direction.
Memory trick: The 'T' tells you where to land, and the wind just whispers.