Procedure when hold entry missed?
 

Hypothetical, pop quiz. how would you handle the following situation?

Autopilot is flying, assigned a published hold which is in the database. For whatever reason the autopilot does not turn you outbound, reason not important, say the autopilot fails right at that moment. You fly past the entry and continue for less than 30 seconds, still inside the compass rose on the chart and not enough for an ATC issue. You recognize the issue and correct but are past the turn.

What do you do? How do you get back to the entry?

HDG mode, fly it around and once reestablished try reengaging the AP, check the FMS to see if the sequence is correct for the rest of the continued hold or if starting the approach, and if not and I wanted to hold maybe set up a PPOS hold or god forgive me fly it manually :)

Which way would you turn? Say you are 2 miles from the VOR. Hold is turns to the left, but behind you. Right or left turn to the fix is equal distance.

Typically, there is more protected airspace on the holding side, so why wouldn't you turn in the direction of the hold/protected airspace?

That was my thinking as well but others had a different opinion. FARs don't really cover this that I am aware of. I passed my turn and George was apparently on a coffee break so I went manual. No magenta line so I turned back to the VOR. Assignment was left turns so I turned left to get back to the fix so I could enter the hold properly.

What was suggested by the other pilot was to turn out bound, so right turn to the fix then pick up the parallel course and then turn inbound for the entry.

I'd say either option was acceptable just wanted to see if someone had a better idea or knew standard procedure for this if it exists.

I’d ask, was the holding pattern on the track or airway I approached the VOR? If so, simple turn in the direction outbound, if far enough away, turn back to the fix itself. If from a very different track, say 90⁰, then it might get more tricky, but still turn back to the fix.

GF

According to the AIM hold entries are at pilots discretion and the “3” are recommended entries.
Only problem you’ll have if you were supposed to do a Parallel entry and you’re now on the “unprotected” side of the hold.
Shortest turn back to the holding fix for what is now a Direct entry.


Question is kinda similar to having to execute a Missed Approach out of a circle to land....

Confess, ask for vectors.

No ATC?

Where's the terrain? Fly away from it, and climb if needed.

If no terrain, turn in the direction of the holding pattern if possible (maybe less conflicting traffic on that side).

You lost me when you said the autopilot is flying. There's the problem.

The pilot should be flying. He may elect to use the autopilot.

The reason the airplane flies past the turn is important: the pilot isn't doing his job.

Because you may be endangering other aircraft by flying past the hold.