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Macdill AFB traffic pattern

Pattern altitude at Macdill AFB (MCF · KMCF) is 1,000 ft MSL (≈1,000 AGL) by the standard convention — none is published for this field, and every runway end is standard left traffic. · Open on the map

All of Macdill AFB — runways, frequencies, charts and live weather

Pattern diagram

Drawn to scale from the FAA NASR runway alignments and the per end right traffic flags — pick a runway to see its pattern. Live wind picks the favored runway when KMCF reports it.

5,000 ftNMNxw 136°downwind 046°base 316°final 226°45° entry2305

RWY 23LEFT traffic

Heading
226° mag · 220° true
Dimensions
11,421 × 151 ft
TPA
1,000 ft MSL (≈1,000 AGL) · standard
Surface
Asphalt
Lights
4-light PAPI (left) (3°) + ALSF1
ILS
LOC/GS · CAT I · LOC 111.7 (GBZ) · GS 3.00°
More details — RWY 23
Threshold elev
14 ft
Markings
precision
Threshold crossing height
56 ft
TDZ elevation
14 ft
Arresting gear
BAK-12B

Condition: Good. Edge lights: High. Surface: Grooved.

Pattern side: FAA NASR · TPA standard 1,000 ft AGL (not charted) · layout: FAA runway-end coordinates

Pattern direction by runway

RunwayPatternHeadingPattern altitude
05 Left traffic 046° mag 1,000 ft MSL (≈1,000 AGL)
23 Left traffic 226° mag 1,000 ft MSL (≈1,000 AGL)

No pattern altitude is published for KMCF; the figure above is the AC 90-66B 1,000 ft AGL convention for propeller aircraft, rounded to the field. Turbine aircraft normally fly 1,500 ft AGL. Headings are the runway alignment; downwind is the reciprocal.

Flying the pattern at KMCF

Macdill AFB is towered, working 120.175. Contact the tower before entering the surface area and fly the pattern you are assigned — the directions below are the charted default when no instruction is given.

All ends are left traffic, which is the FAR 91.126 default — turns to the left unless the field charts otherwise. The full entry procedure is here →

Frequently asked

What is the traffic pattern altitude at KMCF?

Macdill AFB has no traffic pattern altitude published in the FAA NASR data. The AC 90-66B convention for propeller aircraft is 1,000 ft AGL, which works out to roughly 1,000 ft MSL (≈1,000 AGL) here — but confirm it against the Chart Supplement before you fly, since a field can have a non standard pattern altitude that NASR does not carry.

Does KMCF have right traffic?

No. All 2 runway ends at Macdill AFB use standard left traffic, so no right pattern is charted here.

Do I fly a standard pattern at KMCF?

Macdill AFB is towered (120.175), so the pattern shown here is the charted default — but the controller's instruction overrides it. Expect straight in approaches, base entries and midfield crossings as traffic dictates.

More about KMCF

Pattern direction and alignment are drawn from the FAA NASR (28-day cycle); the diagram is generated, not an FAA chart. Pattern altitude is shown as published where NASR carries one, otherwise as the AC 90-66B 1,000 ft AGL convention. For planning and education only; always verify against the Chart Supplement.

Something here wrong or out of date? Report a data problem.