Posted for "richard  titsworth" <rtitsworth@mindspring.com>:

 Lynn, etal,
 
 I fly at some airports with relatively high level of initial student
 training (private pilot).  Most of these students have no exposure/knowledge
 of the overhead approach.  It is generally not mentioned/described in any of
 the common training materials - nor commonly taught prior to solo or
 checkride.
 
 Any suggestions on how I should first announce my intentions when
 approaching the airport.  Since "overhead approach" will not likely convey
 much understanding?
 
 What position reports are commonly made during an overhead approach?
 
 Do you include any reference to airspeed in the calls to help others
 estimate time/position?
 
 There can be some confusion when two airplane arrive to the pattern at
 nearly the same time.  Logically, the faster plane should go first, but
 there is no allowance/reference to that in the FAR/AIM to my knowledge -
 only that the lower plane goes first (but I should not use that to advance
 my position).
 
 Also, I've often seen a hold-short airplane pull onto the runway for
 departure when there was another on downwind/base - assuming the normally
 slow inbound plane was still perhaps a minute or more from short final.
 Seems added speed info may be helpful here also.
 
 Any best practices on how to shorten these added/lengthened calls since the
 students can be a bit verbose themselves and often leave minimal radiotime?
 
 Any best practices on how to request an overhead approach at a towered
 airport?
 
 Rick