On final at an uncontrolled field

[Jaybird180]

There are two applicable regs (well, maybe three). 91.111 says you may not operate so close to another airplane so as to cause a collision hazard. 91.113 says you may not force an aircraft which just landed off the runway to make way for your landing. Beyond that, it's common senses and 91.13 (careless/reckless). Basically, if you don't scare the other pilot enough that s/he complains for the FAA, it's not a problem at a nontowered airport.

So we can use judgement on this?

 

[poadeleted20]

ATC does not separate light aircraft in the pattern by 3-5 miles, so I don't see any reason why pilots would need to.

Separation in the pattern is not ATC's responsibility, but where it is, those are the general rules.

In any case, I wasn't suggesting a hard and fast rule, which is why I used the word "seem."

Whatever -- my point is that it's very much a matter of what you're flying and the circumstances, and in many cases you don't need nearly that much.

 

[gismo]

When it comes down to it, it's simply using professional common courtesy in the pattern. Couple weeks ago I'm bringing the helicopter back to the airport. A King Air is holding short for an opposite direction take-off. I'm on a straight in but also with about a 10 kt tailwind. I realize I might be holding up a fixed wing departing into the prevailing wind. At 2 miles I tell the King Air I'm going to terminate the approach and go around to a right downwind as not to interfer with his departure. He said no, don't bother with that we can wait a minute while you land. See, communication and being professional goes a long way. Too often people want to complain for petty pattern stuff that really doesn't matter.