Figure 14-1.  Recommended communication procedures.  pattern altitude (normally 1,500 feet AGL.) However, if large or  turbine aircraft operate at your airport, it is best to remain 2,000  feet AGL so you are not in conflict with their traffic pattern.  When well clear of the pattern—approximately 2 miles–scan  carefully for traffic, descend to pattern altitude, then turn right  to enter at 45° to the downwind leg at midfield.  [Figure 14-2]  An alternate method is to enter on a midfield crosswind at  pattern altitude, carefully scan for traffic, announce your  intentions, and then turn downwind.  [Figure 14-3]  This  technique should not be used if the pattern is busy. Always  remember to give way to aircraft on the preferred 45° entry  and to aircraft already established on downwind.  In either case, it is vital to announce your intentions, and  remember to scan outside. Before joining the downwind  leg, adjust your course or speed to blend into the traffic.  Adjust power on the downwind leg, or sooner, to fit into  the flow of traffic. Avoid flying too fast or too slow. Speeds  recommended by the airplane manufacturer should be used.  They will generally fall between 70 to 80 knots for fixed-gear  singles and 80 to 90 knots for high-performance retractable.  When a pilot flies into a different airport, it is important to  review the current data for that airport. This data provides the  Sources for Airport Data  Chart Supplement U.S. (formerly Airport/Facility  Directory)  Aeronautical Charts  pilot with information, such as communication frequencies,  services available, closed runways, or airport construction.  Three common sources of information are:  • Aeronautical Charts  • Chart Supplement U.S. (formerly Airport/Facility  Directory)  • Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs)  • Automated Terminal Information Service (ATIS)  Aeronautical charts provide specific information on airports.  Chapter 16, “Navigation,” contains an excerpt from an  aeronautical chart and an aeronautical chart legend, which  provides guidance on interpreting the information on the chart.  The Chart Supplement U.S. (formerly Airport/Facility  Directory) provides the most comprehensive information on  a given airport. It contains information on airports, heliports,  and seaplane bases that are open to the public. The Chart  Supplement U.S. is published in seven books, which are  organized by regions and are revised every 56 days. The  Chart Supplement U.S. is also available digitally at www.  14-3  UNICOM  (no tower or FSS)  No tower, FSS,  or UNICOM  No tower in  operation, FSS open  FSS closed  (no tower)  Tower or FSS  not in operation  Communicate with UNICOM  station on published CTAF  frequency (122.7, 122.8, 122.725,  122.975, or 123.0). If unable to  contact UNICOM station, use self- announce procedures on CTAF.  Self-announce on MULTICOM  frequency 122.9.  Communicate with FSS on CTAF  frequency.  Self-announce on CTAF.  Self-announce on CTAF.  Before taxiing and  before taxiing on the  runway for departure.  Before taxiing and  before taxiing on the  runway for departure.  Before taxiing and  before taxiing on the  runway for departure.  Before taxiing and  before taxiing on the  runway for departure.  Before taxiing and  before taxiing on the  runway for departure.  10 miles out.  Entering downwind,  base, and final.  Leaving the runway.  10 miles out.  Entering downwind,  base, and final.  Leaving the runway.  10 miles out.  Entering downwind,  base, and final.  Leaving the runway.  10 miles out.  Entering downwind,  base, and final.  Leaving the runway.  10 miles out.  Entering downwind,  base, and final.  Leaving the runway.  Facility at Airport  Frequency Use  Communication/Broadcast Procedures  Departing final  approach fix (name)  or on final approach  segment inbound.  Approach  completed/terminated.  Practice Instrument  Approach Outbound  Inbound 