Figure 14-39.  Traffic pattern operations—single runway.  LEGEND  Recommended standard left-hand traffic  pattern (depicted)  (standard right-hand  traffic pattern would be mirror image)  RUNWAY  Final  Departure  Downwind  Base Crosswind  Departure  Departure  Entry Application of traffic  pattern indicators  Segmented circle  3  4  6  6  5  2  1  Radio Equipment  In general aviation, the most common types of radios are  VHF. A VHF radio operates on frequencies between 118.0  megahertz (MHz) and 136.975 MHz and is classified as  720 or 760 depending on the number of channels it can  accommodate. The 720 and 760 use .025 MHz (25 kilohertz  (KHz) spacing (118.025, 118.050) with the 720 having a  frequency range up to 135.975 MHz and the 760 reaching  up to 136.975 MHz. VHF radios are limited to line of sight  transmissions; therefore, aircraft at higher altitudes are able  to transmit and receive at greater distances.  In March of 1997, the International Civil Aviation Organization  (ICAO) amended its International Standards and Recommended  Practices to incorporate a channel plan specifying 8.33 kHz  channel spacings in the Aeronautical Mobile Service. The  8.33 kHz channel plan was adopted to alleviate the shortage of  VHF ATC channels experienced in western Europe and in the  United Kingdom. Seven western European countries and the  United Kingdom implemented the 8.33 kHz channel plan on  January 1, 1999. Accordingly, aircraft operating in the airspace  of these countries must have the capability of transmitting and  receiving on the 8.33 kHz spaced channels.  Operating in and out of a towered airport, as well as in a good  portion of the airspace system, requires that an aircraft have two- way radio communication capability. For this reason, a pilot  should be knowledgeable of radio station license requirements  and radio communications equipment and procedures.  There is no license requirement for a pilot operating in the  United States; however, a pilot who operates internationally  is required to hold a restricted radiotelephone permit issued  by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). There  is also no station license requirement for most general  aviation aircraft operating in the United States. A station  license is required, however, for an aircraft that is operating  internationally, that uses other than a VHF radio, and that  meets other criteria.  Using proper radio phraseology and procedures contribute to  a pilot’s ability to operate safely and efficiently in the airspace  system. A review of the Pilot/Controller Glossary contained  in the AIM assists a pilot in the use and understanding of  14-22  Using Proper Radio Procedures  Radio License  Radio Communications  6.  If remaining in the traffic pattern, commence turn to  crosswind leg beyond the departure end of the runway  within 300 feet of pattern altitude.  [Figure 14-40]  7.  If departing the traffic pattern, continue straight out,  or exit with a 45° turn (to the left when in a left-hand  traffic pattern; to the right when in a right-hand traffic  pattern) beyond the departure end of the runway, after  reaching pattern altitude.  [Figure 14-40]  8. Do not continue on a track that penetrates the departure  path of the parallel runway.  [Figure 14-40] 