Definition
A ground signal at non-towered airports, located near the runway, that visually indicates the traffic pattern in use. It consists of a triangle of segmented bars, with extensions showing the direction of the base and final approach legs for each runway, allowing pilots to determine the correct pattern direction from the air.
Plain English
A painted or panelled marker on the ground near the runway that shows pilots which way to fly the landing pattern when there is no control tower.
Context Anchor
Seen on glass-cockpit attitude displays while checking straight-and-level flight, turns, and instrument scan.
Derivation
Called 'segmented' because the triangle is made up of separate bars or panels rather than a solid shape, and 'triangle' because the overall arrangement forms a triangular outline. The segmented design makes the legs of the pattern (downwind, base, final) easy to read from above.
Why Pilots Care
Centered ball in the segmented triangle confirms coordinated flight, avoiding excess drag, reduced performance, and potential loss of control in instrument conditions.
Intuition Check
Do not treat the segmented triangle as a turn pointer or a bank command. It is a coordination cue: if it moves off center, use rudder to bring it back to center.
Example Sentence 1
Before joining the pattern, the pilot overflew the field and checked the segmented triangle to confirm right-hand traffic was in use for Runway 27.
Example Sentence 2
During the holding pattern entry the pilot kept the ball inside the segmented triangle to prevent slipping.