Question: Is it a rule that you must do a 360-degree turn on the ground before you get onto the runway at a nontowered airport? I’m a student pilot and have just made the switch from flying at a towered airport to a nontowered airport, and I see a lot of the pilots do this in the run-up area.
Answer: What you are seeing is a 360-degree clearing turn on the ground that allows the pilot to scan the pattern before takeoff. Sometimes called a “safety turn,” it helps with “see and avoid,” which is an FAA rule.
If there is room to do the turn on the ground, it is good practice, especially if there are trouble spots in the pattern, like a stand of trees or tall buildings that can obstruct your view, or if your aircraft is positioned so that the downwind leg is behind you. If you missed a radio call or one wasn’t made by that pilot who turned downwind to base (they may not have a radio), you’ll be glad you did that turn.
The post Are 360-Degree Turns Required at a Nontowered Airport Before Takeoff? appeared first on FLYING Magazine.
