What does the downwind leg represent in the traffic pattern?

The downwind leg in an air traffic pattern represents a parallel course flown in the opposite direction to the landing approach. In this phase of flight, the aircraft is typically flying parallel to the runway, but it is heading away from the approach end of the runway. This allows pilots to establish their position relative to the runway and prepare for the subsequent turns into the base leg and final approach for landing.

During the downwind leg, pilots monitor their altitude, airspeed, and traffic, giving them time to prepare for the approach while maintaining a safe separation from other aircraft. This leg is crucial for safely managing the traffic pattern, which includes various legs (upwind, crosswind, downwind, base, and final) and ensures that aircraft make a safe entry and landing.