What does the base leg represent in a flight path?

The base leg is a specific segment of the traffic pattern that follows the downwind leg and precedes the final approach. In this context, it represents a flight path that extends towards the landing runway, aligning the aircraft for its final descent. During the base leg, the pilot typically turns the aircraft at a right angle from the downwind leg to position themselves for a straight-in approach to land on the runway.

This flight path is crucial for maintaining the correct alignment and spacing from the runway, allowing for a safe and orderly landing sequence. Properly executing the base leg helps pilots manage altitude and configure their aircraft for landing, ensuring a smooth transition to the final approach.

The other choices do not accurately describe the base leg's role within the sequence of flight paths during the landing procedure. For instance, the base leg does not represent the initial path from the departure end of the runway, nor does it describe a path ending at the downwind leg or a direct approach to landing. Each of these options misrepresents how the base leg fits into the overall traffic pattern flown by aircraft during landing operations.