The downwind leg is a course flown parallel to the landing runway, but in a direction opposite to the intended landing direction. This leg is flown approximately 1⁄2 to 1 mile out from the landing runway and at the specified traffic pattern altitude.

Why is it called downwind leg?

This places the airplane parallel to the runway, going opposite the direction in which it will land. This is called the downwind leg (Figure 4-1) because you're now going with the wind instead of into it. ... First, this position allows you to remain comfortably close to the runway.

What are the six legs of a traffic pattern?

A traffic pattern has six legs: Departure. Crosswind. Downwind.