Holding Patterns Flashcards
(21 cards)
What does the location of a hold ensure?
That an aircraft remains clear of ground and obstructions, ready to continue flight when authorised to do so, either to continue approach to land or continue enroute.
Why do aircraft hold?
Weather Emergency - themselves or other a/c Traffic density / congestion Runway blocked Awaiting diversion Ground equipment u/s
What are the components of a holding pattern?
Holding fix Inbound leg Fix end Outbound leg Outbound end Holding side and non holding side
What is a holding fix?
Over a nav aid (VOR/NDB)
Intersection of VOR radials
VOR DME position
What is the holding axis?
The required inbound track to the holding fix.
What type of turn is used in a hold?
Rate 1, 3 degrees per second
25 degrees of bank
Whichever requires least angle of bank
A/c holding at greater than 170kts may therefore turn at less than 3 degrees per second.
Upto and including 14,000ft, What are the holding speeds for cat A&B aircraft?
170kts
Upto and including 14,000ft, What are the normal holding speeds for cat C,D&E aircraft?
230kts
List Aircraft category speeds cat A-E
A less than 91kts IAS B 91-120kts IAS C 121-140kts IAS D 141-165kts IAS E 166-210kts IAS
(1.3xstalling speed in landing configuration at max certified landing mass)
How long is the outbound leg?
1min
1.5min above 14000ft
Commences abeam fix or on completion of the outbound turn, whichever later.
Limiting radial may apply
What effect does wind have on the holding pattern
Drift
Pilots adjust headings and timings to allow for wind effect
Controllers should be aware that aircraft may not follow regular pattern
Pilot must inform if unable to confirm with procedures or limitations of hold pattern
What type of hold entry from sector 1? And how long will it take?
Parallel entry, 3 minutes
What type of hold entry from sector 2, and how long will it take?
Offset entry, 3 minutes
What type of hold entry from sector 3 and how long will it take?
Direct entry, 0 minutes.
What are the 3 other entry methods?
Along holding radial
Via DME arc
Via secondary fix
What is the normal separation from a holding pattern?
5 minutes from the flight path of the holding aircraft.
ATC need to be aware of dimensions to calculate.
Authority will calculate and determine which of adjacent holding patterns deemed separated.
What is a holding procedure?
A predetermined manoeuvre which keeps an aircraft within a specified airspace while awaiting further clearance.
Define minimum descent height / altitude
In relation to the operation of an aircraft at an aerodrome means the height/altitude in a non-precision approach below which descent may not be made without the required visual reference.
Define minimum sector altitude
The lowest safe altitude for instrument flight within sectors of an aid, facility or aerodrome which is published in the appropriate approach chart.
Define obstacle clearance height / altitude
The lowest height above the elevation of the relevant runway threshold or above aerodrome elevation as applicable used in establishing compliance with the appropriate obstacle clearance criteria.
Minimum of 1000ft clearance within the holding area.
This value may be increased where necessary to provide clearance over obstacles in the buffer area.
What is the distance between the holding area and buffer area?
5 nm
