Fly the Standard Overhead Join Correctly
Call 5–10 NM out, keep the aerodrome on your left overhead, descend on the non-traffic side and cross the upwind threshold to join left- or right-hand circuits.
1 min readKapiti Aero Club safety team
One of the best ways to enhance aviation safety is by sticking to standard procedures – and the standard overhead join (SOHJ) is a well-used example. Make sure you're comfortable with it.
The left-hand and right-hand patterns start the same way:
- Make a radio call 5–10 NM from the aerodrome, advising that you're joining overhead.
- Position the aerodrome so it is out to your left. This gives you, in the left-hand seat, a clear view of the aerodrome.
Once overhead, your options are orbiting (left-hand), joining, or vacating (if required).
Left-hand circuit: on the non-traffic side, descend to circuit height and, using left-hand turns, join the circuit by crossing the upwind threshold.
Right-hand circuit: on the non-traffic side, make a 45° turn to the left and begin descending to circuit height. Once spacing is sufficient, turn right to cross the upwind threshold and join the right-hand circuit.
This procedure is an aviator's bread and butter, and it's crucial to fly it correctly. If you have any doubts, ask an instructor to go over it with you.