What is pattern airspeed at all fields?

What is pattern airspeed at all fields?

• A. 70 KIAS
• B. 80 KIAS
• C. 90 KIAS
• D. 100 KIAS

Answer: (B)

Pattern airspeed is the speed you maintain while flying the traffic pattern around the field. For TH-73 training, that speed is 80 KIAS at all fields. This value gives a stable, controllable pattern: it maintains enough rotor authority and translational lift for responsive handling, while keeping descent rates and turn radii manageable for the downwind, base, and final legs. It also helps keep consistent spacing and energy management across different fields and wind conditions, making training uniform and safer regardless of location. Going faster would shrink your ability to decelerate smoothly and could affect spacing and final approach, while going slower could reduce rotor efficiency and increase difficulty in handling gusts or performing a safe go-around. So 80 KIAS is the standard pattern speed.

Pattern airspeed is the speed you maintain while flying the traffic pattern around the field. For TH-73 training, that speed is 80 KIAS at all fields. This value gives a stable, controllable pattern: it maintains enough rotor authority and translational lift for responsive handling, while keeping descent rates and turn radii manageable for the downwind, base, and final legs. It also helps keep consistent spacing and energy management across different fields and wind conditions, making training uniform and safer regardless of location. Going faster would shrink your ability to decelerate smoothly and could affect spacing and final approach, while going slower could reduce rotor efficiency and increase difficulty in handling gusts or performing a safe go-around. So 80 KIAS is the standard pattern speed.