Small Aircraft
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 28; Flight Crew Total 3683; Flight Crew Type 1516
Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Airspace Violation All Types; Conflict NMAC; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors; Procedure; ATC Equipment / Nav Facility / Buildings; Airport
While piloting my aircraft at Northern Colorado Regional Airport (FNL); I was holding short of Runway 33 at Taxiway A1; and I contacted the Tower and requested to takeoff Runway 33 and remain in the pattern for landing Runway 33.  Tower cleared me for takeoff; advising me of an aircraft just departing ahead on Runway 33.  I was instructed by the Tower to remain in left closed traffic for Runway 33.After climbing to pattern altitude; I turned crosswind; and then downwind for Runway 33.  While mid-field downwind for Runway 33; I noticed several aircraft targets ahead of me to the south were all converging toward runway 33 on my ADS-B display; one from the east and one from the west; both apparently on base for Runway 33 from opposite directions; and a third target (Aircraft Y) approaching from the southeast.  Spacing among all 3 appeared inadequate.  The Controller told Aircraft Y from the southeast to report 3 mile final.  I was scanning the sky and acquired visual contact on all three aircraft.  Aircraft Y was unable to turn final due to inadequate spacing with the other two aircraft.  I was unable to continue in the standard traffic pattern; as I needed to maneuver east to avoid Aircraft Y as it crossed through final from the southeast and across the downwind to the west; which I estimated to be 500 feet in front of me and 300 feet overhead.  Turning east was the safest alternative to remain clear of Aircraft Y and the other two aircraft; as I had them all in sight. The Controller began shouting to all of the pilots 'I don't have radar!  I see two targets converging to the south!'  The Controller sounded very anxious.  I immediately informed the Tower that I was maneuvering to avoid Aircraft Y now in front and above me.  I recall that the Controller then called one of the other aircraft and said loudly to 'leave the pattern!'; but his instructions were not clear.  He then asked where everyone was located.  I clearly and calmly replied 'Aircraft X; turned left base to avoid the traffic conflict' with Aircraft Y.  The Controller then asked seconds later; 'Who is that on left base?'; and I again replied calmly 'this is Aircraft X on mid-left base.'  He then cleared me to land Runway 33; told the traffic ahead on final to turn east; and then instructed Aircraft Y (now west of the field) to return to land on Runway 33. There was inadequate traffic spacing for incoming traffic entering the pattern; and incomplete awareness by the Controller of the four aircraft positions relative to one another; followed by his distraught demeanor and very exasperated tone as he complained of having no radar feed.  It is also possible that the Controller forgot about my aircraft position in the pattern and that he had instructed me to maintain closed left traffic for Runway 33.  I did my best to remain clear of any traffic conflict; communicate calmly and clearly; and defuse the Controller's anxious situation; while maintaining safe spacing from all traffic in the pattern.  I was cleared to land Runway 33 and did so safely; and taxied to parking as directed by the controller.  No other communication took place between me and the controller.As a recommended solution; the temporary Tower at FNL needs a radar feed installed as soon as possible for better situational awareness for the Controllers.  The Controller's shouting and anxious tone heightened the tension of the situation for the other pilots; which was not helpful in this scenario.  A professional demeanor by the Controller with clear; yet rapid instructions would have been more effective at resolving the traffic conflicts.
Pilot reported experiencing a NMAC in the traffic pattern at FNL and suggested that a radar feed be installed so Controllers can better track aircraft operating at and nearby this remote Tower airport.