Expert: Ismar Avdic, Eng. - 10/17/2011

Question
When entering a private airport open to the public that has a segmented circle with right traffic to 07 and left to 25, should I as a helicopter pilot fly opposite traffic as trained or does the segmented circle require me to fly same as fixed wing.

Answer
Hi Dana,
Thanks for question. You are not required to fly segmented circle as fixed wing traffic. As the fact Helicopters are encouraged, but not required, to use an opposite pattern from fixed-wing traffic due to their slower speed and greater maneuverability.

Ismar