← Back to Aviation Glossary
Traffic Pattern
The standard rectangular flight path around an airport used for arrivals, departures, and training. Pattern legs typically include upwind, crosswind, downwind, base, and final. Night training for private pilots requires takeoffs and landings involving flight in the traffic pattern.
Want to go beyond the definition? This term is covered in depth in AviatorPro's Private Pilot License ground school.
Learn more in Private Pilot License→Related Terms
- TransponderAn electronic device in the aircraft that transmits a coded signal when interrogated by ground radar. Mode C transponders report altitude. Mode S transponders support ADS-B Out, which is required in most controlled airspace.
- VASI (Visual Approach Slope Indicator)A visual glide-path aid that uses red and white light bars beside the runway to help pilots maintain a safe approach angle. A disabled VASI is a common NOTAM item that can change night or VFR approach planning.
- VFR (Visual Flight Rules)A set of regulations under which a pilot operates an aircraft by visual reference to the ground and specific visibility and cloud clearance requirements. VFR flight is the standard for private pilots and does not require an instrument rating.
- Vmc (Minimum Control Speed)The minimum speed at which an aircraft can maintain directional control with one engine inoperative, the other at takeoff power, and specific configurations. Vmc is a critical concept in multi-engine training and marked with a red radial line on the airspeed indicator.