text: Chapter 3
  SECTION II. LANDINGS
  The safe landing of aircraft requires control of the airspace and grounds around the site. Managing air traffic
  involves using traffic patterns and maintaining separation of aircraft.
  TRAFFIC PATTERNS
  3-17. The pathfinder uses a traffic pattern to help manage airspace over his location, that is, in and
  around a landing site, airfield, LZ, or DZ (Figure 3-1). A traffic pattern normally extends out 1 statute mile
  from the final approach of the landing area in all directions, depending on the type of aircraft or size of
  the facility.
  3-18. In a normal (left) traffic pattern, the aircraft makes only left turns. The pilot keeps the airfield,
  landing site, LZ, or DZ to his left. In a right traffic pattern, the aircraft makes all right turns. The pilot
  keeps everything to his right.
  3-19. The controller uses traffic patterns to manage aircraft separation around a no-threat landing site.
  Rotary-wing aircraft can enter the pattern from any direction as long as they meet safety requirements. The
  height of the obstacles or aircraft requirements determines the altitude, which the controller can adjust
  as needed.
  3-20. While in the traffic pattern, the aircraft flies between 1,000 and 1,200 feet (known as civil
  altitude), though this might vary depending on the nature and requirements of the mission.
  METHODS OF ENTRY
  3-21. An aircraft might enter the traffic pattern from any point and direction within the area around the
  landing strip or zone, consistent with safety requirements.
  3-22. Fixed wing aircraft normally enter the traffic pattern in the first one-third of the closest leg, at a
  45-degree angle or less. Rotary wing aircraft might enter at any point in a leg, normally at a 45-degree
  angle or less.
  3-23. A straight-in approach might work best if it falls within safety requirements. On a straight-in
  approach, the aircraft must remain within 30 degrees to either side of the land heading.
  3-24. When circling to approach from any direction, the aircraft overflies the landing site then circles to
  the direction of landing. Normally, the pathfinder advises the pilot which direction to circle. This saves
  time and helps the aircraft avoid other traffic in the same airspace. The pathfinder most often encounters
  this type approach.
  3-25. Departing aircraft normally leave on the same heading as landing aircraft, or as close to the same
  heading as they can, up to 45 degrees left or right of the land heading, depending on the wind direction.
  When the destination does not fall in the same direction as the departure, the aircraft might fly a portion of
  the traffic pattern. The pathfinder ensures that arriving and departing traffic do not conflict.
  3-26. The controller commands GO-AROUND if for some reason the aircraft does not land after the
  pilot reaches the final approach leg of the traffic pattern.
  3-27. The pathfinder uses closed traffic in either of two cases:
  y When an aircraft fails to land on the first approach.
  y During DZ operations, when an aircraft must make more than one pass over the DZ.