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Why are straight in approaches ill-advised at uncontrolled airfields? My understanding is that the recommendation is to do a standard overhead join where possible, if there is no radio service.

But at an airfield I fly at, a straight in, long final feels safer because:

  • I can see straight ahead of me with a wide view, I would be able to see if someone was either ahead of me or turning base / final
  • Overhead joins add the risk of not seeing someone below you when descending, coming straight in mitigates that, especially if you come in slightly low

Interested in what I may be missing here.

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  • $\begingroup$ This is very UK specific. I can see this making no sense at all to Americans, for example. $\endgroup$
    – Jamiec ♦
    Commented 10 hours ago

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Why are straight in approaches dangerous at uncontrolled airfields?

They're not, inherently. Everyone doing their own thing instead of following convention might be, though!

The CAA safety sense leaflet on "strip flying" feels relevant to your question, and has this to say (Emphasis theirs!):

If cloud base and airspace permit, an ‘overhead join’ will allow you to observe the windsock and any obstructions on the strip. Be alert for wildlife or livestock. Keep circuits compact and avoid overflying any noise sensitive areas. Even if the strip seems quiet, be alert for other aircraft. It is not unknown for passing aircraft to use strips for practice forced landings or even conduct ad hoc ‘beat-ups’.

If you're joining on a 4+ mile final, spotting a couple of sheep or pedestrians/dogwalkers is difficult.

The main reason usually cited is spotting the windsock, but if you're 100% sure of the wind direction at ground level, this seems less of an issue.

The Skyway code also has this to say:

The ‘overhead’ join is the recommended joining procedure for uncontrolled aerodromes. It allows you to observe traffic in the circuit prior to entry.

While I don't disagree that you might have better visibility coming in long final, if everyone follows the same procedure, then everyone else knows what to expect.

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  • $\begingroup$ I think one of the big problems people have with someone flying a straight-in approach is that they often ignore the traffic in the pattern and just barge in with a "I'm on final, get put of my way." attitude. $\endgroup$
    – Gerry
    Commented 1 hour ago

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