14 CFR 91.126 — Operating on or in the Vicinity of an Airport in Class G Airspace
All turns in the traffic pattern at a Class G airport must be to the left unless the airport displays approved right-traffic visual indicators.
Regulation Text
Each person operating an aircraft to or from an airport without an operating control tower in Class G airspace must comply with any traffic pattern established for that airport. Unless otherwise authorized or required, each person operating an aircraft to or from an airport without an operating control tower shall make all turns in the traffic pattern to the left.
Note: This is an excerpt. Refer to the full regulation in eCFR for the complete text.
Plain-English Explanation
At uncontrolled airports (Class G), the default traffic pattern direction is left turns. Right turns are only used when specifically designated by visual indicators (like segmented circle/traffic pattern indicators) or published in the Chart Supplement. This standardization helps prevent mid-air collisions in the traffic pattern where there is no ATC to provide separation.
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Related Regulations
14 CFR 91.129 — Operations in Class D Airspace
Requires two-way radio communication with the control tower and compliance with ATC instructions when operating in Class D airspace.
§91.11314 CFR 91.113 — Right-of-Way Rules
Establishes right-of-way hierarchy: aircraft in distress has priority, then balloons, gliders, airships, aircraft towing, with converging and head-on rules.
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