AOPA And Univ ND Study Rectangular Vs Circular Traffic Pattern Option 11 17 2016

The AOPA and UND University of North Dakota study announced November 17, 2016 to compare

the classic General Aviation "Rectangular" traffic pattern

to the "Circular" traffic pattern used by the US Navy on Carrier landings,

with a constant coordinated continuous turn from downwind to final, no wings level base leg, and using Angle of Attack (AOA)

and strictly controlled / monitored checkpoints on airspeed and bank angle during this continuous circular turn leading to the final leg...

The AOPA / UND study is interested in reducing General Aviation loss of control problems, such as the classic base to final stall/spin scenario on an uncoordinated turn after an overshoot of the final leg.