Skip to content
New issue

Have a question about this project? Sign up for a free GitHub account to open an issue and contact its maintainers and the community.

By clicking “Sign up for GitHub”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy statement. We’ll occasionally send you account related emails.

Already on GitHub? Sign in to your account

docs: Feat holds #471

Merged
merged 40 commits into from
Sep 8, 2022
Merged
Show file tree
Hide file tree
Changes from all commits
Commits
Show all changes
40 commits
Select commit Hold shift + click to select a range
cb05503
test modification
Sven-Janssens Feb 23, 2022
fd471b2
removed test junk
Sven-Janssens Feb 23, 2022
395ac69
started on holds documentation
Sven-Janssens Mar 1, 2022
8a2ffa2
tried to get the LOWI image to work
Sven-Janssens Mar 1, 2022
b8be49b
deleted empty lines of code
Sven-Janssens Mar 4, 2022
14444d8
general expansion of the holds feature guide
Sven-Janssens Mar 5, 2022
3241bed
made the slideshow for examples
Sven-Janssens Mar 7, 2022
64ed8d8
Made example tables
Sven-Janssens Mar 7, 2022
df536d8
change in MKDOCS and completed table of examples
Sven-Janssens Mar 9, 2022
8452ad2
started with the programming of the actual hold
Sven-Janssens Mar 10, 2022
f509c34
continued on example holds
Sven-Janssens Mar 15, 2022
495e3ed
Added images to the examples
Sven-Janssens Mar 17, 2022
058afb1
fixed requests of review
Sven-Janssens Mar 17, 2022
f64d146
various small fixes
Sven-Janssens Mar 18, 2022
3171b15
Worked on entering and desending
Sven-Janssens Apr 11, 2022
9177f8f
made holds review ready
Sven-Janssens Apr 12, 2022
0f593ff
made ready for review ready
Sven-Janssens Apr 13, 2022
7aaf986
review commits
Sven-Janssens Apr 29, 2022
f66b806
Update docs/pilots-corner/advanced-guides/flight-planning/holds.md
Sven-Janssens Apr 29, 2022
6f99c73
Update docs/pilots-corner/advanced-guides/flight-planning/holds.md
Sven-Janssens Apr 29, 2022
ecc3d78
done most of review items
Sven-Janssens Apr 29, 2022
9deff77
NEW SQUARES AND OPTIMIZED IMAGES
Sven-Janssens Apr 29, 2022
191d72f
even more optimized pictures
Sven-Janssens Apr 29, 2022
dd7cc45
worked through changes by shomas
Sven-Janssens May 5, 2022
cc835e4
SPELLING CHECK COMPLETE
Sven-Janssens May 5, 2022
4239226
placed example charts on bottom
Sven-Janssens May 5, 2022
a10bcc3
Rebase and various fixes to markup and added admon for Holds
frankkopp Aug 16, 2022
81df464
Fixes to typos/layout/structure
frankkopp Aug 27, 2022
f073fbd
Optimized images
frankkopp Aug 27, 2022
58f716e
Rearranged chapters
frankkopp Aug 27, 2022
81e5e0a
Change FAA to ICAO
frankkopp Aug 29, 2022
341ac0a
Hold speed
frankkopp Aug 29, 2022
38f2b69
Hold DES
frankkopp Aug 29, 2022
7e9d69c
Exit Hold
frankkopp Aug 29, 2022
ba355cd
Hold usages
frankkopp Aug 29, 2022
9794567
Hold usages
frankkopp Aug 29, 2022
74f8926
Hold usages
frankkopp Aug 29, 2022
b16cac4
Included review feedback
frankkopp Aug 29, 2022
8686e64
Video imbed
frankkopp Aug 29, 2022
382c51c
Removed "not in stable" admon
frankkopp Sep 8, 2022
File filter

Filter by extension

Filter by extension

Conversations
Failed to load comments.
Loading
Jump to
Jump to file
Failed to load files.
Loading
Diff view
Diff view
1 change: 1 addition & 0 deletions docs/pilots-corner/advanced-guides/flight-planning/.pages
Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
Expand Up @@ -10,5 +10,6 @@ nav:
- leg-types.md
- disco.md
- direct.md
- holds.md
# - Flight Plan: fplan.md
# - ...
321 changes: 321 additions & 0 deletions docs/pilots-corner/advanced-guides/flight-planning/holds.md
Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
@@ -1 +1,322 @@
# Holds

Holding patterns, as they are officially known, can be used as a delaying tactic for airborne aircraft, for course reversal, and for gaining altitude prior to crossing terrain in some procedures. Typically holding patterns have a racetrack pattern that can easily be spotted on flight trackers. All holds are made up of segments. The segments are shown in the figure below.

![DEFINITIONS](../../assets/advanced-guides/holds/Holddefinitions.png){loading=lazy}

## Why Hold?
Holds are always used to delay aircraft near a navigational fix in certain airspace. There are a lot of reasons why
airplanes might need to hold. Common examples would be:

- Bad weather passing over the airport
- Traffic
- To gain or lose energy in the plane (altitude or speed)
- To burn off fuel
- To reverse the course of the aircraft prior to entering a final approach

frankkopp marked this conversation as resolved.
Show resolved Hide resolved
Sometimes holds are used because of topographical constraints. Innsbruck-Kranebitten International Airport (LOWI) is an excellent example of such a constraint because it is situated in a valley, as seen in the picture below.

![LOWI](../../assets/advanced-guides/holds/LOWI.png){loading=lazy}

## Identifying Holds

Aircraft can technically hold at any waypoint if given permission by or requested from ATC in advance. Holds that are published on aviation charts are called published holds. For this guide, we will only consider a published hold. Holds can be identified on charts in 2 different ways, where both options can be applied on the same chart. For example, look at the chart below.

![Hold types](../../assets/advanced-guides/holds/HOLD-types.png){loading=lazy}

Waypoints with published holds can be spotted by a racetrack pattern, or holds can be published and displayed in a diagram in one of the corners of the main navigation section on the chart.

Now that you know where to hold, you should learn how to program the hold. Next, you will need to find information on the chart to enter into the FMS. The primary information you need to have are:

1. Name of the fix/waypoint
2. Inbound course
3. Turning direction
4. Length of the legs, either in time or distance (see Standards below)
5. Maximum airspeed (see Standards below)

!!! tip "Standards"
There are standards for length of legs and airspeed that must be respected if no other information is present on the chart. The standards are published in [Hold Standards](#hold-standards).

The inbound course/heading or the reciprocal of the hold is always depicted on the chart.

## Hold Examples

??? info "Example charts to acquire hold information (click to expand)"

=== "1"
Copy link
Member

Choose a reason for hiding this comment

The reason will be displayed to describe this comment to others. Learn more.

I'm still not a fan of tabs :)

Copy link
Contributor Author

Choose a reason for hiding this comment

The reason will be displayed to describe this comment to others. Learn more.

I know. will think of another solution together


![HOLD1](../../assets/advanced-guides/holds/HOLD1.png){loading=lazy}

| Hold information | Details |
|-------------------|---------|
| Fix | ARNUM |
| Inbound course | 216° |
| Turning direction | Right |
| Leg distance | STD |
| Max speed | STD |
| Max alt | FL140 |
| Min alt (MHA) | FL100 |

=== "2"

>**_NOTE:_** The altitude constraints of the fix SUGOL are not relevant for the altitude constraints of the hold at SUGOL. The same principle applies to speed restrictions as well.

![HOLD2](../../assets/advanced-guides/holds/HOLD2.png){loading=lazy}

| Hold information | Details |
|-------------------|---------|
| Fix | SUGOL |
| Inbound course | 110° |
| Turning direction | Right |
| Leg distance | STD |
| Max speed | STD |
| Max alt | FL250 |
| Min alt (MHA) | FL70 |

=== "3"

![HOLD3](../../assets/advanced-guides/holds/HOLD3.png){loading=lazy}

| Hold information | Details |
|-------------------|---------|
| Fix | OKLAX |
| Inbound course | 149° |
| Turning direction | Left |
| Leg distance | STD |
| Max speed | 210KT |
| Max alt | STD |
| Min alt (MHA) | 8000FT |

=== "4"

>**_NOTE:_** The chart's design makes it confusing what the leg length is for the DVN hold. You could argue that this is 3.4 NM. However, 3.4 is just the length between the D11.0 SPL and the DVN fix and does not influence the hold leg length.

![HOLD4](../../assets/advanced-guides/holds/HOLD4.png){loading=lazy}

| Hold information | Details |
|-------------------|---------|
| Fix | DVN |
| Inbound course | 053° |
| Turning direction | Right |
| Leg distance | STD |
| Max speed | 210KT |
| Max alt | - |
| Min alt (MHA) | 2900FT |

=== "5"

>**_NOTE:_** Holds at BOTON and PANZE have a minimum hold altitude dictated by the minimum flight altitude of 6000FT of the earlier and following legs.

![HOLD5](../../assets/advanced-guides/holds/HOLD5.png){loading=lazy}

| Hold information | Details | Details | Details |
|-------------------|---------|---------|---------|
| Fix | BOTON | PANZE | CAMRN |
| Inbound course | *049° | *049° | 041° |
| Turning direction | Right | Left | Left |
| Leg distance | STD | STD | STD |
| Max speed | STD | STD | 210KT |
| Max alt | - | - | 14000FT |
| Min alt (MHA) | 6000FT | 6000FT | 6000FT |

*The inbound course can be calculated by subtracting or adding 180 to the reciprocal.

=== "6"

![HOLD6](../../assets/advanced-guides/holds/HOLD6.png){loading=lazy}

| Hold information | Details |
|-------------------|---------|
| Fix | SKENS |
| Inbound course | 274° |
| Turning direction | Right |
| Leg distance | 10NM |
| Max speed | STD |
| Max alt | - |
| Min alt (MHA) | 13000FT |

=== "7"

![HOLD7](../../assets/advanced-guides/holds/HOLD7.png){loading=lazy}

| Hold information | Details |
|-------------------|---------|
| Fix | SNAAG |
| Inbound course | 061° |
| Turning direction | Right |
| Leg distance | 10NM |
| Max speed | STD |
| Max alt | - |
| Min alt (MHA) | - |

=== "8"

![HOLD8](../../assets/advanced-guides/holds/HOLD8.png){loading=lazy}

| Hold information | Details | Details |
|-------------------|---------|---------|
| Fix | TIGER | BIG |
| Inbound course | 315° | 302° |
| Turning direction | Right | Right |
| Leg distance | STD | STD |
| Max speed | STD | STD |
| Max alt | FL240 | FL150 |
| Min alt (MHA) | FL150 | FL70 |

=== "9"

![HOLD9](../../assets/advanced-guides/holds/HOLD9.png){loading=lazy}

| Hold information | Details | Details | Details |
|-------------------|---------|---------|---------|
| Fix | DDM | EGN | KEA |
| Inbound course | 059° | 059° | 335° |
| Turning direction | Left | Left | Right |
| Leg distance | STD | STD | STD |
| Max speed | 230KT | 230KT | 230KT |
| Max alt | - | - | - |
| Min alt (MHA) | 6000FT | 4000FT | 5000FT |

=== "10"

>**_NOTE:_** The leg length for the CRS hold is presented as a distance from another navigational beacon

![HOLD10](../../assets/advanced-guides/holds/HOLD10.png){loading=lazy}

| Hold information | Details |
|-------------------|-----------------|
| Fix | CRS |
| Inbound course | 001° |
| Turning direction | Left |
| Leg distance | Until D34.0 CVO |
| Max speed | STD |
| Max alt | - |
| Min alt (MHA) | FL120 |

## Hold Standards

The Airbus FMS follows ICAO definitions for default holding pattern parameters. The default leg length for a computed hold is:

| Altitude (ft MSL) | Leg distance |
|-------------------|--------------|
| <=14000 | 1 minute |
| > 14000 | 1.5 minutes |

The managed speed target in a hold is the lowest of:

- maximum endurance (approximately "green dot" speed)
- ICAO speed limit (see table below)
- speed constraint
- speed limit, if below speed limit altitude

The ICAO speed limits are as follows:

| Altitude (ft MSL) | Airspeed (KIAS) |
|-------------------|-----------------|
| < 14000 | 230 |
| 14000 - 20000 | 240 |
| 20000 - 34000 | 265 |
| > 34000 | .83 Mach |

The default turn direction for a computed hold is **right**, in-line with ICAO specifications.

## Programming Holds
Now that all information about the hold is known, it is time to create a hold in the FMS via the MCDU. A
step-by-step guide to hold at SKENS is provided below.

![HOLD6](../../assets/advanced-guides/holds/HOLD6.png){loading=lazy}

### MCDU Setup

!!! info "MCDU Setup"

=== "1"

![MCDU](../../assets/advanced-guides/holds/MCDU-hold-1.png){loading=lazy}

Find the waypoint in the F-PLN page on the MCDU. Select the corresponding line. In this case, the 3rd from the top, SKENS, and push the left line selector key (LSK) for SKENS.

=== "2"

![MCDU](../../assets/advanced-guides/holds/MCDU-hold-2.png){loading=lazy}

In this page, select the 3rd LSK to enter the hold section for the SKENS waypoint.

=== "3"

![MCDU](../../assets/advanced-guides/holds/MCDU-hold-3.png){loading=lazy}

Notice the title of the page is called COMPUTED HOLD at SKENS.

Computed means that this is information provided by the simulator. This information can be wrong and can be edited by overwriting the computed data.

=== "4"
![MCDU](../../assets/advanced-guides/holds/MCDU-hold-4.png){loading=lazy}

As can be seen by the bigger symbols, the inbound course 274 is inserted in the FMS

Note that the title has changed to HOLD, and a REVERT TO COMPUTED appeared. REVERT TO COMPUTED will restore all hold settings and revert to the computed hold settings.

=== "5"

![MCDU](../../assets/advanced-guides/holds/MCDU-hold-5.png){loading=lazy}

As can be seen in the chart, the hold has a leg length of 10NM. To enter this in the FMS type `/10` in the MCDU and select LSK3 to feed it in the TIME/DIST box.
The time needed to complete the leg is also re-calculated and is 3.3 minutes in this case.

If leg distance is constrained by time (as it is for a standard hold), this can be set by typing for example `1.5` in the MCDU and feeding it in the TIME/DIST box. Also, the leg distance will automatically be re-calculated.

![HOLD6](../../assets/advanced-guides/holds/HOLD6.png){loading=lazy}

=== "Last Exit"

!!! warning "Not yet implemented"

![MCDU](../../assets/advanced-guides/holds/MCDU-hold-5.png){loading=lazy}

In the bottom section of the MCDU screen, 'LAST EXIT' can be found. The section compromises a UTC and FUEL reading. Last exit gives information on how long the airplane can safely stay in the hold while still having the fuel for the rest of the approach, to go around, divert and the final reserve fuel. The UTC and FUEL will give you the time and minimum fuel needed when leaving the hold.

=== "6"

![MCDU](../../assets/advanced-guides/holds/MCDU-hold-7.png){loading=lazy}

If the inbound course, turning direction and leg distance are set correctly, press the 6th LSK on the right to insert the hold into the Flight plan.

Notice the white curved arrow in the ND. In this case, it is turned to the right; however, the arrow would turn left if left-hand turns were selected for the hold.
Also, notice how the hold waypoint now appears for an additional time in the flight plan. This is needed for the FMS to calculate a good exit path when leaving the hold.

Depending on the angle between the aircraft and the inbound course of the hold, aircraft need to fly different entry patterns. The A320 will automatically fly the correct entry pattern.

=== "7"
![MCDU](../../assets/advanced-guides/holds/MCDU-hold-8.png){loading=lazy}

As soon as the aircraft is heading to the waypoint with the hold programmed, the hold will be calculated and completely shown on the ND. [IMM EXIT*](#leaving-the-hold) will also appear on the MCDU.

=== "8"
![MCDU](../../assets/advanced-guides/holds/MCDU-hold-9.png){loading=lazy}

The FMS calculates the holding speed in accordance with [Hold Standards](#hold-standards) to acheive the lowest possible fuel consumption, except in approach phase where the "characteristic" speed for the current configuration is used. A deceleration point is calculated giving enough distance before the hold fix to slow down to the holding speed. From this point IMM EXIT becomes available on the F-PLN page, and pressing it prior to actually reaching the hold fix will cause deletion of the hold. If speed is managed the deceleration will begin automatically; if speed is selected a SET HOLD SPEED prompt will appear, prompting the pilot to set their desired holding speed, or to engage managed speed.

Also, the F-PLN page on the MCDU will continue to show IMM EXIT*. This is needed when [leaving the hold](#leaving-the-hold).

### Descending in the Hold
Managed descent mode (DES) in the hold will limit the descent rate to a maximum of -1000 ft/min for traffic separation purposes. Open descent (OP DES) will descend at idle thrust as normal.

The TCAS system should remain on TA/RA when flying in the hold. However, it might be convenient to switch to ALL or BLW.

### Leaving the Hold

The plane will continue to fly in the hold until a pilot gives the command to the FMS to leave by either activating
a direct to (DIR TO), or pressing the IMM EXIT prompt on the F-PLN page. During the hold, and prior to the hold
after crossing the deceleration point, the F-PLN page will display IMM EXIT prompt in amber. The pilot may press the
right LSK next to IMM EXIT to leave the hold. The aircraft will shorten the hold as much as possible, fly around
until reaching the hold fix, and then exit, continuing with the subsequent flight plan. At any time prior to
reaching the hold fix the RESUME HOLD prompt may be used to re-enable the hold.

![Hold Modes](../../assets/advanced-guides/holds/MCDU-hold-14.png){loading=lazy}

## Video Tutorial by 320 Sim Pilot

![video-embed](https://www.youtube.com/embed/NYlSICln1So)


Loading
Sorry, something went wrong. Reload?
Sorry, we cannot display this file.
Sorry, this file is invalid so it cannot be displayed.
Loading
Sorry, something went wrong. Reload?
Sorry, we cannot display this file.
Sorry, this file is invalid so it cannot be displayed.
Loading
Sorry, something went wrong. Reload?
Sorry, we cannot display this file.
Sorry, this file is invalid so it cannot be displayed.
Loading
Sorry, something went wrong. Reload?
Sorry, we cannot display this file.
Sorry, this file is invalid so it cannot be displayed.
Loading
Sorry, something went wrong. Reload?
Sorry, we cannot display this file.
Sorry, this file is invalid so it cannot be displayed.
Loading
Sorry, something went wrong. Reload?
Sorry, we cannot display this file.
Sorry, this file is invalid so it cannot be displayed.
Loading
Sorry, something went wrong. Reload?
Sorry, we cannot display this file.
Sorry, this file is invalid so it cannot be displayed.
Loading
Sorry, something went wrong. Reload?
Sorry, we cannot display this file.
Sorry, this file is invalid so it cannot be displayed.
Loading
Sorry, something went wrong. Reload?
Sorry, we cannot display this file.
Sorry, this file is invalid so it cannot be displayed.
Loading
Sorry, something went wrong. Reload?
Sorry, we cannot display this file.
Sorry, this file is invalid so it cannot be displayed.
Loading
Sorry, something went wrong. Reload?
Sorry, we cannot display this file.
Sorry, this file is invalid so it cannot be displayed.
Loading
Sorry, something went wrong. Reload?
Sorry, we cannot display this file.
Sorry, this file is invalid so it cannot be displayed.
Loading
Sorry, something went wrong. Reload?
Sorry, we cannot display this file.
Sorry, this file is invalid so it cannot be displayed.
Loading
Sorry, something went wrong. Reload?
Sorry, we cannot display this file.
Sorry, this file is invalid so it cannot be displayed.
Loading
Sorry, something went wrong. Reload?
Sorry, we cannot display this file.
Sorry, this file is invalid so it cannot be displayed.
Loading
Sorry, something went wrong. Reload?
Sorry, we cannot display this file.
Sorry, this file is invalid so it cannot be displayed.
Loading
Sorry, something went wrong. Reload?
Sorry, we cannot display this file.
Sorry, this file is invalid so it cannot be displayed.
Loading
Sorry, something went wrong. Reload?
Sorry, we cannot display this file.
Sorry, this file is invalid so it cannot be displayed.
Loading
Sorry, something went wrong. Reload?
Sorry, we cannot display this file.
Sorry, this file is invalid so it cannot be displayed.
Loading
Sorry, something went wrong. Reload?
Sorry, we cannot display this file.
Sorry, this file is invalid so it cannot be displayed.
Loading
Sorry, something went wrong. Reload?
Sorry, we cannot display this file.
Sorry, this file is invalid so it cannot be displayed.
Loading
Sorry, something went wrong. Reload?
Sorry, we cannot display this file.
Sorry, this file is invalid so it cannot be displayed.
Loading
Sorry, something went wrong. Reload?
Sorry, we cannot display this file.
Sorry, this file is invalid so it cannot be displayed.
Loading
Sorry, something went wrong. Reload?
Sorry, we cannot display this file.
Sorry, this file is invalid so it cannot be displayed.
Loading
Sorry, something went wrong. Reload?
Sorry, we cannot display this file.
Sorry, this file is invalid so it cannot be displayed.
1 change: 0 additions & 1 deletion mkdocs.yml
Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
Expand Up @@ -38,7 +38,6 @@ plugins:
lang: en
- exclude-search:
exclude:
- pilots-corner/advanced-guides/flight-planning/holds.md
- pilots-corner/advanced-guides/flight-planning/fplan.md
- pilots-corner/advanced-guides/flight-planning/offset.md
- pilots-corner/advanced-guides/flight-planning/overview.md
Expand Down