Figure 10-1. Traffic patterns.  aration from aircraft flying much faster. It is important  to review the Airport/Facilities Directory (A/FD) and  understand the procedures used at each airport you  will be operating at. hazards, provide directions, and assist pilots in air- port operations. It is essential you understand and ad- here to the information provided by these indicators.  [Figures 10-3 and 10-4] Airports vary in complexity from small, private grass  or sod strips to public major terminals having many  paved runways and taxiways. Regardless of the type  of airport or field, you must know and abide by the  rules and general operating procedures applicable to  the airport being used. These rules and procedures are  based not only on logic or common sense, but also on  courtesy. The objective is to keep air traffic moving  with maximum safety and efficiency. The use of any  traffic pattern, service, or procedure does not alter the  responsibility for you to see and avoid other aircraft. Control towers and radar facilities provide a means  of adjusting the flow of arriving and departing air- craft, and render assistance to pilots in busy terminal  areas. You must be familiar with the  communication  requirements for operating at airports where you op- erate or indend to operate. [Figure 10-2] Airport lighting, markings, and signs are used fre- quently to alert pilots to abnormal conditions and  The regulations require powered parachutes avoid the  flow of fixed-wing aircraft. This rule should be the  primary factor in deciding whether a  standard airport  traffic pattern is appropriate for your operation. To assure that air traffic flows into and out of an air- port in an orderly manner, an airport traffic pattern  is established appropriate to the local conditions, in- cluding the direction and placement of the pattern, the  altitude to be flown, and the procedures for entering  and leaving the pattern. Unless the airport displays  approved visual markings indicating that turns should  be made to the right, you should make all turns in  the pattern to the left. Again, the airport may have  established a different pattern and altitude for LSA  operations; be sure to talk with the airport manager  and check the A/FD before heading to the airport. When operating at an airport with an operating con- trol tower, you will receive by radio a clearance to  approach or depart, as well as pertinent information  Standard Airport Traffic Patterns 10-2