NDB/DME hold

09.03.2007

Submission:

I have a question concerning holding patterns created based on a DME distance from a facility. We are currently creating several new procedures for an aerodrome with a rather limit amount of navigational facilities. Thus the only possible option is to create a holding pattern based on a QDR value from an NDB, and a DME distance from a DME antenna co-located with the glide path. Is this even possible? There are no details pertaining to this type of holding pattern in the ICAO documents, which has led us to believe that this is not a recommended practice. Has anyone ever created such a holding pattern?

Quick repetition of the details: - Creating a holding pattern based on a QDR value from an NDB and a DME distance from a nearby situated DME antenna. Possible / Not possible?

 Morten, Procedure Designer
 Avinor-Norway

Answer or Commentary:

(I.W.

 I personally would not recommend such a holding procedure but I do not think that Pans-Ops specifically forbid them. If possible a more elegant way would be to hold overhead the NDB which Pans-Ops does mention. If you must design a NDB/DME holding make sure that the holding fix is a satisfactory fix (i.e. maximum divergence 23 degrees)