Traffic pattern indicator

File:Segmented circle visual indicator system for traffic pattern.png

In aviation, a traffic pattern indicator is an L-shaped device which show the airfield traffic pattern to the in-flight aircraft over an aerodrome.{{cite book

|title=Airplane Flying Handbook

|author=United States. Flight Standards Service. Airman Testing Standards Branch.

|publisher=Skyhorse Publishing

|location=New York

|year=2007

|isbn=978-1-60239-003-4

|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=V3SZXFWuCIgC&dq=%22traffic+pattern+indicator%22&pg=SA6-PA19}} The short arm of the "L" represents the base leg, and the long arm the final approach.{{cite web

|url=https://www.gleimaviation.com/2018/09/21/how-to-interpret-segmented-circles/

|title=How to Interpret Segmented Circles

|last=Winters

|first=Karl

|date=2018

|website=Gleim Aviation

|publisher=Gleim Publications Inc

|access-date=2022-03-19}} If no segmented circle is installed, traffic pattern indicators may be installed on or near runway ends.{{cite web |title=Section 3. Airport Operations |url=https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap4_section_3.html |publisher=Federal Aviation Administration |access-date=11 January 2024 |page=4-3-4.b.5}}