In article ,
"Harry Shin" wrote:

Hi Guys,

My father and I were returning to Petaluma (O69), called in on the 45 to
downwind and were just about to turn downwind when a flight of three
experimentals called in that they were set up for their "overhead entry".
They were flying above pattern altitude on the runway heading, proceeded to
make a diving 180 turn to downwind, inside our line.

Two of them jumped ahead of us, while the third resigned himself to
following our Citabria. I guess we really messed up their spectacular
approach and possible formation landing... (yawn)

So, I'm wondering if their overhead approach to an un-controlled field is
"approved"? Petaluma can get pretty busy on weekends, and I feel their
grandstanding lead to some concern and un-necessary avoidance manuevering...

Harry Shin
Citabria N5064K, Sonerai I 'a building



It sounds as if the formation leader screwed up. He should have been
looking for other traffic and let you go ahead -- even to the point of
taking his formation around for another approach. Nor should he have
done a "diving break," which impairs his view of other traffic.

I regularly fly formation, with overhead breaks to downwind. Rule #1 is
that traffic already in the pattern has the right-of-way. Another thing
we do is announce our intentions: "White Flight one mile initial, left
overhead break," to let others know we are operating.

Now, Harry, did YOU announce YOUR entry into the pattern? I realize that
it is not required, but it IS good practice.