bdhill1979
Gone West
36U?Very long story made short . . . .Not long ago we had problems with this very thing and the FAA DID get involved. Some bozo on the ground at an uncontrolled field would freak out when our pattern entries were not exactly as perscribed by the AIM. This included correcting the crews on CTAF when they did not follow the procedures exactly. (Mr. Bozo did not have the big picture in mind as In each case what was done pattern entry-wise was done to further avoid high terrain during night time conditions or for other safety reasons.) He got the FAA involed and while no violations occured, investigations did. What followed was a lot of legal stink and headaches before everything was happily resolved. This guy really needed a girlfriend or something better to do with his free time.
Sooooo my point is we can argue if the AIM is regulatory or not, but not sticking with it can cause you unnecessary drama. Following it when you can is a darn good idea as it will keep you out of trouble and off the radar in most cases.
I have heard so many bozos crying about the 45 to the left downwind for 21 there. I have just said roger and continued on my merry way.