Holding Pattern timing 1 & 2

25.10.2004

Submission:

1./

This reference, in the Aircraft Operations, Volume I, Flight Procedures, Part 4, Chapter 1, Page 4-1 1.2.4 ,

"Outbound timing begins over or abeam the fix whichever occurs later. If the abeam position cannot be determined, start timing when turn to outbound is completed."

may have led to the conclusion presented by the initial submitter.

Lew Center, United States



2./

PANS OPS Vol 1 states that outbound timing begins over or abeam the fix, whichever occurs later. If the abeam position cannot be determined, start timing when turn to outbound is completed. For most holding patterns the abeam position will always occur later than the fix. So, essentially, the RAF teaching is correct. The timing and tracking tolerances inherent to the holding procedure design, plus the buffer areas, should be sufficient to contain an aircraft within the obstacle clearance area even given some shaky flying on a windy day!! I would recommend PANS OPS Vol 1 to any flying operation for reference purposes. It is a relatively slim publication!!

Jerry Willmott, Western Michigan University College of Aviation Science