Holding Pattern timing

25.10.2004

Submission:

In the RAF timing outbound in a standard holding pattern is taught as commencing from abeam the fix or wings level, whichever is later. Having accepted this for years I was asked the question "where is it written?" and reliably informed that it was within national procedures and Pans Ops. I can't find the reference in national procedures and do not have access to current Pans Ops. Can you clarify the matter for me with an accurate reference please, and please let us be teaching it correctly!

Thank you, Bill Ferrol

Answer or Commentary:

(I.W:

When designing a holding pattern the first stage is to construct a holding pattern template. This template defines the obstacle protection area for the hold. Part of the construction is the determination of the position of the commencement of the inbound turn.

We take into account the pilot that commences the timing early by subtracting 11 seconds from the time of the outbound leg. Then we take into account the pilot that starts the timing late by adding 15 seconds to the time of the outbound leg. However both are measured from approximately abeam the facility not "wings level". The actual position of "wings level" would be very hard to determine as it changes from plane to plane and pilot to pilot. All the same, the position of "wings level" should be abeam the facility and the timing of the hold must be taken from abeam the facility irrespective of "wings level".

Reference: - Pans-Ops Part III Attachment C paragraph 3.3.2.2.2.4. Maybe someone from England has a reference to a local document.)