Which phraseology is used to achieve proper spacing?

• A. EXTEND DOWNWIND
• B. EXTEND UPWIND
• C. SEND A CIRCLE
• D. MAINTAIN HEADING

Answer: (A)

When spacing needs to be increased in the traffic pattern, the phraseology used is to extend downwind. This instruction tells the pilot to stay on the downwind leg longer, delaying the turn to base and final so there is more time and distance between aircraft. It directly changes the pattern to create safe separation as the follower accepts more time to sequence and descend, without forcing abrupt speed or course changes. The other options don’t achieve that spacing effect: extending upwind isn’t the standard method for adjusting pattern spacing; sending a circle isn’t a recognized way to manage spacing; and maintaining heading leaves the pattern unchanged, which doesn’t help create additional separation.