Airports with "RP"

Source: www.pilotworkshop.com/tips/airports-rp, Featuring Bob Nardiello

Subscriber question:

"I've noticed that on VFR sectionals, some airports have the letters 'RP' under the airport information. What does this mean?" - Cristina E.

Bob:

"The RP in the airport information on the face of the sectional indicates that a right pattern is used at this airport. Runways requiring the use of the right pattern are listed after the RP.

An example would be RP32, meaning that a right pattern is in use on Runway 32. If an RP is not noted, it is assumed that the traffic pattern is a left pattern.

This information can be found in the airport facility directory and is shown on some airport surfaces by a segmented circle.

It is interesting to note that helicopters typically use a right pattern at airports which have a defined left pattern, since FAR Part 91 requires helicopters to avoid the flow of fixed wing traffic."

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