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Concepts and Responsibilities (TWR)

What a traffic circuit is

A rectangular flow around the runway in use, normally made up of:

  • Upwind leg, parallel to the runway and laterally offset from the centreline, in the same direction as the landing
  • Crosswind leg
  • Downwind leg
  • Base leg
  • Final, on the extended runway centreline

Leg details

The drawn layout, the distinction between the initial climb over the centreline and the upwind leg, and the reports for each leg are in Traffic Circuit, in the VFR Phraseology Manual.

Circuit direction

  • Standard (when not published): left-hand turns
  • Exceptions: right-hand circuit only if:
  • published (VAC/AIP),
  • NOTAM/local procedure,
  • or ATC instruction.

Responsibility: ATC vs Pilot (at a controlled aerodrome)

The TWR:

  • defines the runway in use (considering wind and safety),
  • authorises takeoff/landing/low approach/touch-and-go,
  • organises the sequence (priority & spacing),
  • issues traffic information (when necessary),
  • applies restrictions (e.g. "maintain", "extend", "orbit", "follow traffic").

The pilot:

  • maintains visual separation when applicable,
  • complies with clearances and reports,
  • goes around when unstable/unsafe.
  • "Joining …"
  • "Downwind …"
  • "Base …"
  • "Final …"
  • "Runway vacated …"

Adjust according to complexity

Adjust according to traffic complexity and the need for situational awareness.