What are the approved pattern entries for RWY 28L/R from Southeast or MacDonald's Bridge?

• A. Right base; Straight in; Right downwind
• B. Straight In; Left base; Left downwind
• C. Crosswind; Straight In; Left base
• D. Overhead; Straight in; Left base

Answer: (B)

This tests understanding of joining a standard left-hand traffic pattern for runways 28L/28R from the southeast or MacDonald’s Bridge. From those positions, you would enter the pattern keeping left turns, and you have three approved ways to do that: straight-in onto the final approach, a left-base entry, or a left-downwind entry. A straight-in means you go directly onto the final approach path without first maneuvering onto base or downwind. A left-base entry puts you on the base leg perpendicular to final, then you turn onto final. A left-downwind entry has you flying parallel to the runway in the direction opposite landing, then turning to base and final. The key is staying in a left-hand pattern; entries that require right-hand turns, overhead patterns, or other nonstandard routes aren’t approved because they wouldn’t align with the standard pattern and could create conflicts with other traffic.