The following are some important procedures that all pilots  should be follow when flying in a traffic pattern or in the  vicinity of an airport. such as doorposts and wings. High-wing airplanes have  restricted visibility above while low-wing airplanes have  limited visibility below. The worst-case scenario is a low- wing airplane flying above a high-wing airplane. Banking  from time to time can uncover blind spots. The pilot should  also occasionally look to the rear of the airplane to check  for other aircraft.  Figure 7-5  depicts the greatest threat area  for mid-air collisions in the traffic pattern. Listed below are  important facts regarding mid-air collisions: The volume of traffic at an airport can create a hazardous  environment. Airport traffic patterns are procedures that  improve the flow of traffic at an airport and when properly  executed enhance safety. Most reported mid-air collisions  occur during the final or short final approach leg of the airport  traffic pattern.  7-6 Figure 7-5.  Location distribution of mid-air collisions in the airport  traffic pattern. 10% 0% 20% 30% 16% Downwind 34% Final 16% Short final 34% Runway Distribution of Mid-Air Collisions in the Airport Traffic Pattern Chapter Summary • Tune and verify radio frequencies before entering the  airport traffic area. • Report your position 10 miles out and listen for reports  from other inbound traffic.  • Report when you are entering downwind, turning  downwind to base, and base to final. This is a good  practice at a non-towered airport. • Descend to traffic pattern altitude before entering the  pattern. • Mid-air collisions generally occur during daylight  hours; 56 percent of the accidents occur in the  afternoon, 32 percent occur in the morning, and 2  percent occur at night, dusk, or dawn.  • Most mid-air collisions occur under good visibility. • A mid-air collision is most likely to occur between  two aircraft going in the same direction. • The majority of pilots involved in mid-air collisions  are not on a flight plan. • Nearly all accidents occur at or near uncontrolled  airports and at altitudes below 1,000 feet.  • Pilots of all experience levels are involved in mid-air  collisions. • Maintain a constant visual scan for other aircraft. • Tune and monitor the correct Common Traffic  Advisory Frequency (CTAF) frequency.  • Be aware that there may be aircraft in the pattern  without radios. • Use exterior lights to improve the chances of being  seen.