Details

If you display the graphic, you will get one point for a correct answer and five penalty points for a wrong answer. If you do not display the graphic, you get five points for a correct answer and one penalty point for a wrong answer. As the different entry types span angles of different size (direct 50%, teardrop ~19%, parallel ~31%), the scoring is prorated according to the likelihood of the angle's occurrence to prevent cheating by always picking direct (which covers half of all cases). There is a 1/8 probability of a left turn being chosen.

In the U.S., correct pattern entry is mandatory for part 135 and part 121 operations and is recommended (but not mandatory) for part 91 operations. A parallel entry can be substituted for a teardrop entry. All turns are to the right unless a left turn is instructed by ATC. Proper entry type is determined by course, not heading, so wind correction angles must be subtracted beforehand.

For more information, see Holding (aviation).