Holding is considered one of the most difficult things to learn when flying instruments. Any holding pattern includes the same four basic elements: Holding Fix Holding Course Outbound Heading Inbound / Outbound Ends Each element of the holding pattern is just a simple heading or course intercept, just like normal IFR flying. The holding fix is the point where the … [Read more...] about Holding Basics
Video Lessons
Determining Holding Entries
Holding entries are considered by many students to be the most difficult item to learn while flying instruments. Determining the proper entry requires situational awareness and an understanding of how the entry sectors are divided. There are three types of holding entries: Parallel Teardrop Direct To understand each entry sector, let's think of holding in terms of a … [Read more...] about Determining Holding Entries
Teardrop Holding Entries
Behind the direct entry, the teardrop is probably the easiest holding entry to learn. Even though it is one of the easiest holding entries, there is still a lot to know about teardrop entries. The basic teardrop entry has three phases: Track to the holding fix in the teardrop entry region Cross the holding fix and fly outbound at a 30 degree angle Make a standard … [Read more...] about Teardrop Holding Entries
Direct Holding Entries
Direct holding entries are the absolute easiest entry to fly. There are no calculations, no intercept angles, and no complex wind corrections to worry about in the entry. So now that we know how easy it is to fly a direct entry, how do we do it? First things first, we need to be tracking direct to the holding fix in the direct holding entry sector. This may seem obvious, but … [Read more...] about Direct Holding Entries
Parallel Holding Entries
Everyone hates parallel entries. Almost every pilot will try to turn a parallel entry into a teardrop entry, just because they think the parallel is too difficult. It's really not that hard, there are only 3 steps to fly a proper parallel entry: Track to the holding fix in the parallel entry region. Turn to parallel the inbound holding course Make a standard-rate … [Read more...] about Parallel Holding Entries