Human Factor wrote: Often I'll slow down to 65 knots or less downwind, which gives them time.
Please don’t. We Nanchang drivers fly the circuit at 170kmh (91kts) and can’t go much slower safely.
You didn't quote me specifically, so I only just noticed this was in response to my post.
But sorry, I'm not going to fly round the circuit so fast that I have to extend downwind like the other numpties that can't stay a safe distance from the field, on the off chance there's something behind me that can't slow down.
I don't keep a mental catalogue of which call signs are which aeroplanes, and in any case, it's solving the wrong problem - the real problem is those that fly (and are being taught to fly) circuits that are too big. It would only take one aircraft crashing on to the town with an engine failure in the 25 undershoot to shut the airfield - or at least that runway - possibly permanently. And that aircraft sure as heck ain't going to be me.
I wouldn't be remotely offended if, on the relatively few occasions I slow down for spacing (and in reality it's very rare I'm as slow as 65kt), you overtook me downwind with a suitable call, and then were out of my way by the time I get to short final.
I'm open to argument if this seems unreasonable, but I sometimes have to go around if I get my spacing wrong, so I don't see why that's just on me, just because someone else is in an unusual aircraft.
I'm always happy to give way to Spitfires and Hurricanes, naturally