36 18 WIND Left-Hand Traffic Pattern 36 18 WIND Right-Hand Traffic Pattern Downwind Departure Entry Final Base Crosswind Final Departure Crosswind Entry Downwind Base Figure 7-1.  Traffic patterns. When approaching an airport for landing, the traffic pattern is  normally entered at a 45° angle to the downwind leg, headed  toward a point abeam the midpoint of the runway to be used  for landing. When arriving, the pilot should be aware of the  proper traffic pattern altitude before entering the pattern and  remain clear of the traffic flow until established on the entry  leg. Entries into traffic patterns while descending create  specific collision hazards and should always be avoided. The pilot should ensure that the entry leg is of sufficient  length to provide a clear view of the entire traffic pattern  7-3