Holding Patterns

A holding pattern are normally to be demanded by ATC because of for instance delays at arrival airport.
ATC will give you necessary instructions how to fly to the holding pattern. It can be included in your route or you will be guided via vectors to fly to a specific VOR/NDB/FIX and make a holding. The most difficult with a holding is the entry, because of the 3 different ways to join the holding.
A holding normally is drawn on the STAR/SID/IAL charts with a designated inbound heading to the waypoint where the holding will be performed.
A typical map including a holding looks like below:


Holding restrictions
  Time of each leg  Max speed
Below FL140 1.0 minute  230 kts
FL 140 - 200 1.5 minute  240 kts
Above FL200 1.5 minute  265 kts



Depending on how you are approaching the holding pattern you will entry the pattern in 3 different ways.
  1. Direct entry
  2. Paralell entry
  3. Offset entry

Direct Entry
Procedure for direct entry is to fly direct to the holding point and join the holding pattern

Paralell Entry
Parallel entry is when approaching the holding from upper right sector.

  1. Fly direct to the holding point and cross it.
  2. Turn to fly parallel to the inbound leg
  3. After appropriate time turn left direct holding point.

Offset Entry
Offset entry is used when approaching the holding on the upper left sector.

  1. After crossing the HP turn 30 degrees and fly outbound the HP
  2. After appropriate time turn right to intercept HP
  3. Join the holding pattern

 

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