According to landing pattern terminology, what position is referred to when one is positioned opposite the intended landing?

In landing pattern terminology, the position referred to as being opposite the intended landing is known as "abeam." This position is typically when the aircraft is flying parallel to the runway but on a side of the runway that is directly opposite the landing direction. When an aircraft reaches the abeam position, it is ideally at pattern altitude and can begin to observe the runway environment while preparing for the next segment of the landing pattern.

The abeam position is crucial for timing and planning the descent towards the final approach, ensuring that the pilot can effectively manage the landing sequence. When the pilot is abeam the runway, they have a reference point to establish their actions, such as commencing a turn towards the base leg and ultimately to final approach.

In other positions within the landing pattern:

• Final is the path directly aligned with the runway for landing.

• Base is the turn taken from the downwind leg towards the final approach, usually at a 90-degree angle to the runway axis.

• Crosswind is the leg of the traffic pattern that runs perpendicular to the runway during the initial climb after takeoff or before entering downwind.

Each of these terms denotes a specific segment in the landing pattern but only abeam accurately describes the position opposite to the intended landing