Holding Patterns

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08-01-2017 | 08:31 AM

Lagoon

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Holding Patterns

Does anyone have tips on how to do these well?

I seem to be struggling with figuring out the entries into the pattern while I'm flying, as it takes from my focus on scanning the instruments and flying the plane.

Is there a quick and fool proof way that others have tried?

Thanks.

08-01-2017 | 08:38 AM

OrionDriver

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Lagoon

Does anyone have tips on how to do these well?

Is there a quick and fool proof way that others have tried?

I like to 'draw a picture' if you will. I look at my approach plate or chart at the location of the hold, and then I look where I am. When you realize the direction you'll hit the fix and you see the holding pattern, the entry becomes fairly obvious. it is harder when the hold pattern isn't depicted. At first I did use my pencil to draw in a quick pattern so I could visualize it better.

Do it on the ground a few times till you get the hang of it. Give yourself scenarios, i.e. "if i'm cleared from here to hold here, which direction will I be coming into the hold?"

08-01-2017 | 10:11 AM

Bucknut

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Re: Holding Patterns

Here is the easiest way in my opinion. Remember TPD stands for turn in the proper direction or tear drop, Parallel and direct.
https://cbpowell.wordpress.com/2011/...ttern-entries/. Once you read the article it will make sense!

08-01-2017 | 10:13 AM

OrionDriver

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Bucknut

That's a great resource!

08-01-2017 | 10:54 AM

PerfInit

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From: JAFO- First Observer

The good news is, once you get to an aircraft with FMS, it will figure out the proper entry for you

08-01-2017 | 11:00 AM

Subieguy14

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From: Right Seat

it does take a little getting used to as far as the entries. I remember using foreflight and the plates a lot.... drawing it on your kneeboard quick helps also.

08-01-2017 | 08:40 PM

Lagoon

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Thanks for all the helpful information.

08-02-2017 | 12:59 AM

SonicFlyer

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There are some excellent YouTube videos on the subject

08-02-2017 | 01:26 AM

Clue32

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From: 747 FO

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lagoon

Pencil method... Take a pencil or pen, hold it horizontal to your HSI / DG through the middle of the instrument. If you are making right turns, pop the right side of the pencil "up" 20 degrees. Imagine a line coming down from your heading at the top of the HSI / DG to the pencil. You just made all three entry sections. Where your OUTBOUND course falls is the type of entry you need to make.

08-02-2017 | 05:31 AM

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Flyhayes

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From: Admiral

I always teach the thumb method. It takes all the thinking out of which entry to use when. After that, it's all about knowing the procedures for that particular entry. I would have my students make bullet points on a notecard for each entry and refer to the cards at first. Then I would force them to memorize those points before tossing the cards out the window