lrd (12/03/82)
In response to Kurt Olsen's question about entering a holding pattern: FAA publications show a diagram dividing a circle into four segments, two each of 70 degrees and two each of 110 degrees. They show four different entry procedures for approaches to the holding fix, depending on which segment of the world you are entering from. If you extend this assymetrical complexity to account for both standard (right turns) and non-standard (left turns) holding patterns, there are a total of eight different ways to enter a hold. FORTUNATELY, THIS IS ONLY AN FAA RECOMMENDATION -- NOT MANDATORY!! Unfortunately, the FAA does not always distinguish clearly, in their publications, between recommendations and regulations. My philosophy, as a CFII, is to insure that my student understands the regulation AND THE REASON FOR IT, and then to use as simple a method as possible to comply with the regulation AND with the safety factors involved. Using this concept, every student I have ever taught has passed the instrument tests (both written and check flight) on his/her first attempt. The REASON for the recommended hold entries is: When you are assigned a hold, the implication is that ATC has allocated a block of airspace for your exclusive use. It is your responsibility to enter and remain in the hold without violating the boundaries of that block. Understanding this, the eight hold entries referred to above can be discarded, and we can simplify by flying directly to the holding fix and then using one of the two following rules. 1. If, as you cross the holding fix, you are pointed into the body of the racetrack pattern (as is the case in Kurt's example), fly a heading that will keep you in the body of the pattern, offset by 30 degrees from the outbound. In this case, that will be 247 - 30, or 217 degrees. The 30 degree offset will be counterclockwise for standard (right turn) holding patterns, and clockwise for nonstandard. Fly this course for one minute, then turn right (for standard), intercept the inbound, and procede to stabilize yourself in the pattern. 2. If, as you cross the holding fix, you are NOT pointed into the body of the pattern (this will be the case more often), simply turn to the outbound. Turn right OR left, whichever will result in the shortest (fewest degrees) turn. Fly for one minute, then it's time to intercept the inbound. Apply some common sense here. If your outbound track has placed you on or near the desired inbound track (the localizer in Kurt's case), a turn in to the right will obviously take you outside of your block of airspace -- in this case, turn to the left, 300 degrees, which will put you on a 60 degree intercept for the inbound, while keeping you in your holding space. If, on the other hand, your outbound track has placed you on or near the desired outbound track, merely make a 180 turn in the normal direction for that holding pattern and intercept the inbound. I promised simplification -- the above verbiage doesn't make it sound as if I delivered, but I feel crippled without a chalkboard. A few minutes of playing with this on a board, going through the maneuver when approaching the holding fix from various directions, should answer all questions. If not, feel free to contact me, either by mail or phone (312) 979-4917. L. R. DuBroff BTL - Indian Hill