"Bill Denton" wrote in message
...

When I first read 91.126 I thought it was either a poorly-written or
extremely loose reg. But since I'm new to the world of FAR/AIM's I figured
I'd learn about it when I needed to.

But in response to your post I did a little digging, and determined that
the
problem is that 91.126 is being misinterpreted!

If you go back and reread 91.126, you will note that all the relevant part
is actually saying is that "left traffic" or a left pattern will be the
default standard. The purpose is to state that unless there are indicators
indicating that "right traffic" should be flown, you should always fly
"left
traffic". If you arrive at an airport with no indications of a specified
traffic pattern, you should always fly "left traffic".


Actually, 91.126 states that all turns while approaching to land are to the
left unless the airport displays approved light signals or visual markings
indicating that turns should be made to the right. Turns on departure can
be in either direction.



My justification for this interpretation comes from AIM 4-24, Chapter
4-Air
Traffic Control, Section 3-Airport Operations.

Figure 4-3-2 Provides an illustration of traffic pattern operations. It
shows a 45 degree pattern entry with a right turn onto downwind, with all
turns inside the pattern being left turns. Obviously all turn directions
are
reversed for right traffic.

This agrees with the information I have received from other sources.

If I am somehow incorrect on this please let me know, as I am very much
still in the process of learning!


You are incorrect. As the AIM itself says it's not regulatory it obviously
does not trump the FARs.