Holding Air Speed/Angel of Bank

CHAPTER THREE

RADIO INSTRUMENTS

HOLDING AIRSPEEDS/ANGLE OF BANK

When an aircraft is 3 minutes or less from the holding fix, and a clearance beyond the fix has not

been received, speed will be reduced such that the aircraft will cross the fix at or below the

maximum holding airspeed. Since holding is a delaying or loitering maneuver until further

clearance is received, an airspeed approximating maximum endurance airspeed is normally flown.

The T-2 NATOPS holding speed is 160 KIAS (approximately 200 KTAS for pattern analysis and

correction purposes). The instructor pilot may choose to hold at a different airspeed. The student

should simply request "Slow to holding speed" when the aircraft is 3 minutes or less from the

holding fix. The deceleration normally takes 5 miles or less. The maximum holding airspeeds for

various holding locations and aircraft vary from time to time. A General Planning document

should be consulted for current limitations on maximum holding speed. The purpose of a

maximum holding airspeed is to ensure that maneuvering aircraft will remain within the assigned

holding air space. All holding turns will be conducted at standard rate or 30 degrees angle of

bank whichever is less. The 2F101 in the NFO mode turns with 30 degrees angle of bank when

gear and flaps are up.

TACAN HOLDING CLEARANCES

Holding clearance may assign a published holding pattern (such as those published on approach

and enroute charts) or issue non-published holding instructions. Holding instructions will always

include the following information, directly or by implication.

Geographic direction of the holding pattern from the holding fix.

Radial and DME of the holding fix.

The holding course.

Pattern leg lengths in NM.

Direction of pattern turns.

Holding altitude.

Expected Further Clearance Time.

3-30

RADIO INSTRUMENTS