Aircraft speeds

25.10.2004

Submission:

In New Zealand they detail the following speeds in knots for procedure. For the initial approach, the speeds are:-

CAT A 90 to 150 (*110 reversals)

CAT B 120 to 180 (*140 reversals)

CAT C 160 to 240

CAT D 185 to 250

For Cat A and B there is an extra requirement to fly reversal procedures (this includes a teardrop approach) at the maximum speeds of 110 kts for category A aircraft and 140 kts for category B aircraft. Is this a standard requirement and if so why is it?

Peter Henwood New Zealand

Answer or Commentary:

(I.W.

Yes these are standard speeds and restrictions, as laid down in ICAO doc 8168. I would also be interested as to how the speed restrictions were established. Maybe someone knows the background to the establishment of these holding speeds. Another interesting point is the maximum speed for racetrack holding patterns limited to Category A and B aircraft is 170 kts, Part IV chapter I page 4-5 table IV-I-I.)