Airman Certification Standards
ACS PA.III.B
Traffic Patterns
Knowledge
Towered and nontowered airport operations. Private Pilot for Airplane Category ACS (FAA-S-ACS-6C)17
Traffic pattern selection for the current conditions.
Right-of-way rules.
Use of automated weather and airport information.
Risk Management
Collision hazards.
Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Windshear and wake turbulence.
Skill
Identify and interpret airport/seaplane base runways, taxiways, markings, signs, and lighting.
Comply with recommended traffic pattern procedures.
Correct for wind drift to maintain the proper ground track.
Maintain orientation with the runway/landing area in use.
Maintain traffic pattern altitude, ±100 feet, and the appropriate airspeed, ±10 knots.
Maintain situational awareness and proper spacing from other aircraft in the traffic pattern. Private Pilot for Airplane Category ACS (FAA-S-ACS-6C)18
Retrieved from ecfr.gov on July 17, 2026.