Approach Pattern (Noun)
Meaning
The path that is prescribed for an airplane that is preparing to land at an airport; "the traffic patterns around O'Hare are very crowded"; "they stayed in the pattern until the fog lifted".
Classification
Nouns denoting spatial position.
Examples
- The air traffic controller instructed the pilot to follow the standard approach pattern for runway 27R.
- The flight school taught students to follow a rectangular approach pattern when preparing to land.
- Due to the strong crosswind, the pilot had to adjust the approach pattern to ensure a safe landing.
- The approach pattern for the small airport was complex, requiring pilots to navigate through a narrow valley.
- The pilots had to hold in the approach pattern for 20 minutes before being cleared to land due to heavy air traffic.