Which leg is described as a flight path parallel to the runway, opposite to landing direction?

Which leg is described as a flight path parallel to the runway, opposite to landing direction?

• A. Downwind Leg
• B. Base Leg
• C. Final Approach Leg
• D. Crosswind

Answer: (A)

In a standard traffic pattern, you fly along a series of legs around the runway: upwind, downwind, base, and final. The leg described as flying parallel to the runway but in the direction opposite to landing is the downwind leg. This path keeps you clear of the landing traffic while you prepare for the approach, giving you time to reduce speed, configure the aircraft, and visually align for the upcoming turns to base and then final to land. Crosswind, by contrast, is the leg flown perpendicular to the runway, serving as a side-path before turning toward the downwind. The final approach leg is the last segment aligned with the runway for landing, after you’ve completed the base turn.

In a standard traffic pattern, you fly along a series of legs around the runway: upwind, downwind, base, and final. The leg described as flying parallel to the runway but in the direction opposite to landing is the downwind leg. This path keeps you clear of the landing traffic while you prepare for the approach, giving you time to reduce speed, configure the aircraft, and visually align for the upcoming turns to base and then final to land.

Crosswind, by contrast, is the leg flown perpendicular to the runway, serving as a side-path before turning toward the downwind. The final approach leg is the last segment aligned with the runway for landing, after you’ve completed the base turn.