Definition
Ground markers placed in the segmented circle at non-towered airports that show the direction of the traffic pattern for each runway. Each L-shaped indicator depicts the shape of the rectangular pattern as viewed from above, with the long leg representing the downwind leg and the short leg (foot of the L) representing the base leg. Pilots fly the pattern in the same direction the L is laid out, which tells them whether the pattern is left-hand or right-hand for that runway.
Plain English
L-shaped markers on the ground near the airport's wind indicator that show pilots which way to fly the rectangular landing pattern around each runway. The shape of the L tells you whether to make left turns or right turns when flying around the airport to land.
Context Anchor
Seen from the air near a runway, commonly as part of the airport’s visual traffic pattern information.
Derivation
“L-shaped” refers to the marker’s physical shape: it looks like a capital letter L. “Indicator” means something that shows or points out information, which fits its job here: showing pilots the turn direction for the pattern.
Why Pilots Care
Confirms the required turn direction so pilots join the pattern correctly and avoid conflicts with other traffic.
Intuition Check
Do not read the L shape as a drawing of the whole flight path. It is a ground sign that tells you whether the pattern turns go left or right for that runway.
Example Sentence 1
On the way in, the pilot circled overhead and checked the segmented circle, noting that the L-shaped traffic pattern indicators showed a right-hand pattern for Runway 27.
Example Sentence 2
At the uncontrolled airport the L-shaped indicators confirmed a right traffic pattern for the active runway.