Definition
A traffic pattern in which all turns from takeoff through landing are made to the right of the runway, rather than the standard left. Right-hand patterns are used at specific airports or specific runways where indicated by airport markings, lighting, the Chart Supplement, or a segmented circle with traffic pattern indicators. Pilots must verify pattern direction before arrival or departure.
Plain English
A landing pattern where you make all your turns to the right instead of to the left. It is used at certain airports or runways, and you have to check ahead of time to know if right turns are required.
Context Anchor
You will see this in airport traffic pattern diagrams, runway notes, and instructions for how to enter or fly around a specific runway.
Why Pilots Care
Following the published pattern direction keeps aircraft separated and avoids conflicts with other traffic at the same airport.
Intuition Check
Right-hand does not mean the pilot sits on the right side or uses the right hand on the controls. It means the turns around the runway are made to the right.
Example Sentence 1
The Chart Supplement showed runway 27 used a right-hand traffic pattern, so the pilot planned to make all turns to the right when entering the pattern.
Example Sentence 2
Because of nearby terrain, the airport requires a right-hand traffic pattern to keep arriving aircraft clear of obstacles.