When flying in the vicinity of an aerodrome, in which direction should all turns be made unless directed otherwise?

When flying in the vicinity of an aerodrome, all turns are generally required to be made to the left unless otherwise instructed by air traffic control. This procedure is established to standardize traffic patterns and enhance safety by ensuring that aircraft are predictable in their flight maneuvers.

Flying left-hand turns helps in reducing the risk of collisions, as aircraft following standard procedures will be flying in the same direction during their approaches or departures. This consistency is particularly important in busy airspace around airports.

While pilots may receive specific instructions to turn right from air traffic control due to airspace restrictions, obstructions, or to provide separation from other traffic, the default expectation is to make left turns. This standard practice ensures a smoother integration of arriving and departing aircraft and contributes to overall air traffic safety.