Dico,

My interpretation of the "360" approach is a method for the controllers to sequence aircraft to other runways if the straight in for one runway is to clobbered with traffic.  Therefore, they may request you approach the airfield at let's say 3,000 feet from the mid-point or any other point along the runway and circle down to the break altitude of 2300' in an oval pattern vs the traditional box pattern. You will be told who your interval or the aircraft your following in the pattern. 

If they bring you in at the "break" altitude they will direct you to a point along your landing runway as they did in the above scenario and there may or not be someone you are following.  Let's say they tell you to fly to the "numbers" for runway 09 and 'break' at the upwind numbers.  You point your aircraft at the approach end of the landing runway.  Upon arrival at the approach end you will then fly along the length of the runaway at 2300' until you reach the upwind numbers and perform the break maneuver. This is a mild 30 deg angle of bank turn to down wind.  You will maintain 2300' on downwind unless they want you to let down another altitude, but this is not the norm.  Roll out once pointed downwind and align your aircraft to be approximately 3/4 to one tip distance from the runway.  This keeps everyone in the pattern generally the at the same altitude and distance from the runaway on downwind.  Maintain approach speed and begin to configure your aircraft for landing.  Once your are abeam the approach end numbers report your gear status (if applicable) and left base call.  Start a smooth constant rate of descent and angle of bank to roll out with a 1/4 mile straight in final to landing.  The Navy calls this point where one begins the base turn that is abeam your intended point of landing the '180'.  The Air Force calls it the 'Perch'.  

This break maneuver and pattern is obviously a military landing pattern.  The basic premise is that it is the quickest way to get a lot of planes on the ground very quickly.  It requires everyone to know where they are, where they are going in regards to pattern entry, and who they are following. Most of these patterns can have six to eight aircraft in them landing at 45 sec intervals.

We also have to listen because controllers can adjust the pattern by first telling you where to enter the pattern such as midfield vice the approach end numbers.  They can tell you to perform the break at midfield, the upwind numbers or they may extend you upwind and call your break.  Once your on downwind they may adjust your speed as well as where to begin your turn to final by extending you past your point of intended landing.    

I hope I didn't speak down to you or anyone else on the mailing list.  But I could not help responding as a retired Navy pilot.  If anyone has corrections or additions, please chime in.

George

Sent from my iPad

On Dec 2, 2012, at 8:01, Dico Reijers <dico@internetworks.ca> wrote: