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aration from aircraft flying much faster. It is important to review the Airport/Facilities Directory (A/FD) and understand the procedures used at each airport you will be operating at. 

Airports vary in complexity from small, private grass or sod strips to public major terminals having many paved runways and taxiways. Regardless of the type of airport or field, you must know and abide by the rules and general operating procedures applicable to the airport being used. These rules and procedures are based not only on logic or common sense, but also on courtesy. The objective is to keep air traffic moving with maximum safety and efficiency. The use of any traffic pattern, service, or procedure does not alter the responsibility for you to see and avoid other aircraft. 

Control towers and radar facilities provide a means of adjusting the flow of arriving and departing air- craft, and render assistance to pilots in busy terminal areas. You must be familiar with the communication requirements for operating at airports where you op- erate or indend to operate. [Figure 10-2] 

Airport lighting, markings, and signs are used fre- quently to alert pilots to abnormal conditions and 

hazards, provide directions, and assist pilots in air- port operations. It is essential you understand and ad- here to the information provided by these indicators. [Figures 10-3 and 10-4] 

## Standard Airport Traffic Patterns 

The regulations require powered parachutes avoid the flow of fixed-wing aircraft. This rule should be the primary factor in deciding whether a standard airport traffic pattern is appropriate for your operation. 

To assure that air traffic flows into and out of an air- port in an orderly manner, an airport traffic pattern is established appropriate to the local conditions, in- cluding the direction and placement of the pattern, the altitude to be flown, and the procedures for entering and leaving the pattern. Unless the airport displays approved visual markings indicating that turns should be made to the right, you should make all turns in the pattern to the left. Again, the airport may have established a different pattern and altitude for LSA operations; be sure to talk with the airport manager and check the A/FD before heading to the airport. 

When operating at an airport with an operating con- trol tower, you will receive by radio a clearance to approach or depart, as well as pertinent information 

