Any Unknown or Unlisted Aircraft Manufacturer
Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Flight Engineer; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 30; Flight Crew Total 27000; Flight Crew Type 50
Confusion; Troubleshooting
No Specific Anomaly Occurred All Types
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors
The Sectional Chart that Lemhi County (SMN); Salmon; ID shows RP* for the airport which requires referencing the Airport Supplement. RP* for SMN means 'Right Pattern Runway 35 AT NIGHT'. If a pilot flies a right pattern for runway 35; even in the daytime they are faced with rising (in my opinion rapidly rising) terrain while descending on the downwind and base legs. This is worrisome even in daylight hours. At night; a pilot unfamiliar with the terrain could easily be put in jeopardy on this approach. However; they would be following the guidance of the Sectional Chart and Airport Supplement.I would like to know the rationale for a right pattern to runway 35; DAY or NIGHT. The terrain west of SMN is much more open and forgiving.
Informed pilot of findings.
Pilot reported flying right pattern at SMN is unsafe; after misinterpreting chart symbology.