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Introduction

Overview

Welcome to the Traffic Circuit Manual, a practical and objective guide developed to help aviation professionals and enthusiasts understand and apply traffic circuit procedures at aerodromes.

This manual summarises the operation of the standard (rectangular) traffic circuit at the TWR position, focusing on VFR traffic when there is no VAC chart published for the aerodrome (or when the VAC is not available at the time).

Revision Date Description Reviewer
01/2026 27/01/2026 Manual created 930847

About this Manual

This manual was created in accordance with the topics related to standard phraseology in MCA 100-16 1 and other official DECEA documents dealing with traffic circuit procedures and aerodrome operations.

It is extremely important to read the official documents regularly and consult the primary sources (AIP, aeronautical charts and DECEA publications).

Objective

Standardise the traffic flow around the aerodrome, facilitating: - the sequence of landings/takeoffs, - visual separation, - the reduction of conflicts, - consistent instructions and reports.

Golden rule (information priority)

  1. VAC / AIP / aerodrome charts (when published)
  2. NOTAM and local procedures
  3. Current ATC instructions
  4. Standard circuit (this manual)

Application

  • Controlled aerodrome: TWR organises the traffic and authorises joining/leaving.
  • Uncontrolled aerodrome: it is up to the pilot to maintain separation and follow published/locally accepted procedures.

Important

Recommended for simulation/training use. For real-world operations, always use the current official publications.

How to use this manual

  • Read Standard circuit without VAC and Altitudes/profiles first.
  • Use the PT/EN Phraseology section as a quick reference card during the session.
  • Use the checklists to standardise decisions at the TWR.

Scope and further reading

This manual covers operation and decision-making at the TWR position: circuit geometry, altitudes by category, sequencing, runway change and VAC reading.

Phraseology has its own manual. If what you are looking for is how to speak, from start-up on the apron to closing the flight plan, in Portuguese, English and Spanish, go to the VFR Phraseology Manual.

  1. MCA 100-16 - Fraseologia de Tráfego Aéreo (Air Traffic Phraseology): establishes the air traffic phraseology standards, complementing the provisions of ICA-100-12, "Regras do Ar" (Rules of the Air). ↩