Pilot reported multiple traffic conflicts with the flight operations at DKX and TYS due to the airports' proximity and recommended changing the direction of traffic pattern at DKX.

Date: 2025-07 · Aircraft: Small Aircraft; Low Wing; 1 Eng; Retractable Gear · Phase: descent

Anomalies: conflict-airborne-conflict|deviation-discrepancy-procedural-published-material-policy

Synopsis

Pilot reported multiple traffic conflicts with the flight operations at DKX and TYS due to the airports' proximity and recommended changing the direction of traffic pattern at DKX.

Narrative

I was on an IFR flight plan from ZZZ to DKX; direct; and at 4000 feet and was approved a visual approach into DKX. At about 6 NM from DKX I cancelled my IFR clearance; and changed to local DKX UNICOM frequency. I turned course to the right to set up for a downwind entry for Runway 26L downwind. There were several planes in the pattern at DKX. I was advised by ATC prior to frequency change of a plane at my 2 o'clock below me. I could see the plane on my ADS-B screen. We were converging; I was at 3100 feet and the other plane was below me. We could not see each other but did exchange some verbal acknowledgement while there was a lot of other radio chatter occurring with other planes in the pattern. I decided and announced on the radio that I would do a right 360-degree turn and re-enter the pattern for spacing. As I was making my 360-turn I saw an airliner moving left to right maybe 1000 feet above and 4000 feet ahead of me. The TYS ILS final course would be about where the airliner was. I completed my turn for spacing; re-entered the downwind for Runway 26 DKX and landed.I am not sure what could have been done differently. To summarize; as I approached DKX there was traffic at different positions around the field. The plane that was the biggest conflict was the one to my immediate right at a lower altitude. Then there is the ILS final course for TYS not far from the downwind pattern at TYS. I don't know if it would help to have right traffic for DKX Runway 26 for spacing from the TYS ILS 23? I sometimes think DKX needs a Control Tower. Additionally; when DKX is using Runway 8 and TYS Runway 5; there is potential for climbout conflicts. Could a TYS Approach Controller give an informational presentation to pilots at DKX?

Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.