Holding Procedures

[Ian_J]

Thumb technique:

Here's a popular rule of thumb you can use to determine the best entry as you approach the holding fix.


If the hold involves left turns, place your left thumb just above the 9 o'clock position of your heading indicator. If the hold involves right turns, place your right thumb at the 3 o'clock position. Draw an imaginary line from the top of your thumb across the heading indicator. Now locate the outbound course on the heading indicator and if it is below the imaginary line, fly a direct entry. If the outbound course is between the 12 o'clock position and your thumb, fly a teardrop entry. Otherwise, fly a parallel entry.

Courtesy of http://freightdogtales.blogspot.com/2006/02/hold-everything_26.html

I personally love the thumb method, but I do combine it with visualization so I get the complete picture.

 

[BrettInLJ]

Everyone learns differently. The thumb technique messes me up to this day. I prefer visualizing the hold and entries in my mind and turning the way that makes sense (shortest turn that keeps me out of the non-holding side). Others I've talked to love the thumb method.

 

[Ian_J]

Hey Max... try this link:

http://www.thecfi.com/welcome.htm#

Then go to subject areas

Choose instrument procedures

Choose holding pattern training aid

It'll randomly give you holds and have you choose the entry. Then it will explain what you did right (or wrong).