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such as doorposts and wings. High-wing airplanes have restricted visibility above while low-wing airplanes have limited visibility below. The worst-case scenario is a low- wing airplane flying above a high-wing airplane. Banking from time to time can uncover blind spots. The pilot should also occasionally look to the rear of the airplane to check for other aircraft. Figure 7-5 depicts the greatest threat area for mid-air collisions in the traffic pattern. Listed below are important facts regarding mid-air collisions: 

• Mid-air collisions generally occur during daylight hours; 56 percent of the accidents occur in the afternoon, 32 percent occur in the morning, and 2 percent occur at night, dusk, or dawn. 

• Most mid-air collisions occur under good visibility. 

• A mid-air collision is most likely to occur between two aircraft going in the same direction. 

• The majority of pilots involved in mid-air collisions are not on a flight plan. 

• Nearly all accidents occur at or near uncontrolled airports and at altitudes below 1,000 feet. 

• Pilots of all experience levels are involved in mid-air collisions. 

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The following are some important procedures that all pilots should be follow when flying in a traffic pattern or in the vicinity of an airport. 

• Tune and verify radio frequencies before entering the airport traffic area. 

• Report your position 10 miles out and listen for reports from other inbound traffic. 

• Report when you are entering downwind, turning downwind to base, and base to final. This is a good practice at a non-towered airport. 

• Descend to traffic pattern altitude before entering the pattern. 

• Maintain a constant visual scan for other aircraft. 

• Tune and monitor the correct Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) frequency. 

• Be aware that there may be aircraft in the pattern without radios. 

• Use exterior lights to improve the chances of being seen. 

## Chapter Summary 

The volume of traffic at an airport can create a hazardous environment. Airport traffic patterns are procedures that improve the flow of traffic at an airport and when properly executed enhance safety. Most reported mid-air collisions occur during the final or short final approach leg of the airport traffic pattern. 

