Which term is used for the established route an aircraft follows to land?

The term for the established route an aircraft follows to land is known as the traffic pattern. A traffic pattern is a defined path that aircraft use in the vicinity of an airport to take off and land safely. It typically consists of a rectangular course around the airport, allowing for orderly and safe operations as planes prepare for landing or take off.

Traffic patterns help maintain separation between aircraft and ensure that they follow a predictable route, facilitating efficient airport operations. This pattern includes specific legs such as the upwind, crosswind, downwind, and final approach, which guide pilots on the correct procedure for aligning with the runway during landing.