What range should you maintain on the downwind leg in a radar pattern?

What range should you maintain on the downwind leg in a radar pattern?

• A. 150-200
• B. 120-160
• C. 100-140
• D. 200-250

Answer: (A)

In a radar pattern, keeping a consistent downwind distance from the runway is essential for safe sequencing and reliable radar tracking. The downwind leg is flown parallel to the runway at roughly 1.5 to 2.0 miles from the runway, which gives the controller a predictable picture and provides enough room to tighten into the base and final with timely turns. That spacing allows you to maintain stable speed and configuration while ensuring you’re within the controller’s radar coverage and able to respond to vectors or instructions without crowding the final approach.

Choosing a range around 1.5 to 2.0 miles helps avoid being too close, which would squeeze turns and reduce reaction time, and avoids being too far, which can complicate staying on the radar depiction and timing for the final approach. Therefore, the approximate 1.5–2.0 mile range is the best fit for the downwind leg in a radar pattern.