Why were "pattern a" and "pattern b" removed from the Instrument Flying Handbook?
I can't say for sure, but I would assume that the pattern-based drills were removed because of the new emphasis on scenario-based ("real world") training the FAA has been moving toward: While Pattern A and Pattern B are useful for honing your skills (and I'll even admit they're kind of fun to fly) they're not something you'll fly in the "real world" - you are unlikely to string together that particular set of elements in that particular order on any kind of regular basis.

That doesn't mean the Pattern A / Pattern B maneuvers are not useful tools or that the FAA "frowns on" them - they really don't care how you acquire the skills necessary to pass your checkride and if flying Pattern A / Pattern B helps then by all means fly your heart out! Just know that when you take your checkride you will not be asked to "Fly Pattern B" - it's not an element of the practical test.



A copy of the maneuver diagrams for Pattern A and Pattern B can be found in Gleim's Additional Instrument Flight Maneuvers handout, which also has some valuable notes on how the maneuvers should be performed.

Personally I prefer the diagrams from Privilege Aero because I find them a little easier to read (Patterns A &amp; B are listed as Patterns D &amp; E respectively, except the Gleim version of Pattern B includes a descent &amp; go-around at the end of the hold).

I've reproduced the Pattern E diagram below in case any of the links above break.