360s in the PATTERN!
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In this episode of On Centerline, host Sam Terrell delivers a passionate and detailed critique of performing 360-degree turns in the airport traffic pattern, especially at uncontrolled airports. Drawing from FAA guidelines in AIM 4-3-5, he explains that while 360s are acceptable under tower control when instructed, they are inherently hazardous when done independently in non-towered environments due to the disruption they cause to traffic flow and the risk of mid-air conflicts. Terrell shares real-world scenarios from his own airport, where multiple aircraft converge from different directions, creating high-workload situations where pilots often resort to 360s to gain spacing—only to create even more danger by unexpectedly entering the path of other aircraft. He emphasizes that such maneuvers are abnormal, unpredictable, and violate the principles of standard traffic pattern operations. To replace 360s, Terrell offers three safer, prescribed alternatives: slowing down to increase spacing, continuing around the pattern without following the aircraft ahead, or departing the pattern entirely and re-entering via a proper 45-degree entry. He stresses that communication, situational awareness, and adherence to standard procedures are critical for safety. The episode concludes with a strong call to action: avoid 360s unless absolutely necessary and only after exhausting all other options.
Never perform a 360-degree turn in the traffic pattern at an uncontrolled airport unless absolutely necessary and only after exhausting safer alternatives.
Slowing down is a simple, effective, and safe way to create spacing without disrupting the pattern.
Continuing around the pattern or departing and re-entering are safer, more predictable alternatives to 360s.
Clear communication and situational awareness are essential to avoid conflicts and maintain safe traffic flow.
The term 'teardrop entry' should be eliminated from aviation vocabulary—there is no such thing; use 'crossing midfield to enter the 45' instead.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Welcome & Episode Overview
Sam Terrell welcomes listeners to the On Centerline podcast, introduces himself as the Northwest Aeronaut on YouTube, and previews the episode’s focus on the dangers of 360-degree turns in the traffic pattern at uncontrolled airports.
The Problem with 360s in the Pattern
“A 360-degree turn in any traffic pattern is abnormal and can certainly be hazardous.”
Why 360s Are Hazardous
The host explains why 360s are dangerous: they’re unpredictable, disrupt established sequencing, and are especially risky at uncontrolled airports where pilots lack full situational awareness and rely on limited communication.
Real-World Scenarios & Pattern Conflicts
“They see that plane and they say, oh, we see the aircraft coming from the North. Well, we're going to do another 360 here and let you go first.”
The Right-of-Way Myth & Situational Awareness
“If they had just gone, everyone would have moved on with their day because that's the rule.”
“We can slow down, we can continue around the pattern, or we can leave. Communication is king and situational awareness goes a long way.”
“A 360-degree turn in any traffic pattern is abnormal and can certainly be hazardous.”
“A 360-degree turn should never be executed in the traffic pattern or when receiving radar service without first advising the controller.”
Host
Sam Terrell
person
FAA
organization
On Centerline
media
AIM 4-3-5
other
45-Degree Entry
other
Class Delta
other
Right-of-Way
other
Teardrop Entry
other
ADS-B
other
Slow Flight
other
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