GPS Holds

A longstanding corollary to Murphys Law asserts that Interchangeable parts wont. So it is when we set out to compare conventional holds to GPS holds. In some respects they can be quite different, and the subtle GPS differences can become suddenly important. Here, then are the ins-and-outs of flying GPS holds.Consider that there are three phases to any hold: the entry, the execution and maintaining the established hold. I call them the three Es. Lets scrutinize each phase from both conventional and GPS perspectives, then apply that knowledge to some GPS navigators. But, before we dig into that, lets take a closer look at the difference between a GPS (DME) hold and a conventional holding pattern.

Editorial Staff

Monday, April 06, 2015 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

GPS holding patterns are primarily distance-based (typically 4 nm DME holds), differing from older time-based conventional holds, and can introduce complexities, particularly for teardrop entries.
The level of automation for flying GPS holds varies significantly by navigator; WAAS-capable G1000s offer dynamic course guidance for published holds, while older units or unpublished holds require more manual pilot input.
For non-automated or unpublished GPS holds, pilots must utilize the Omni Bearing Select (OBS) mode and maintain a strong understanding of traditional holding entry and execution techniques, underscoring the enduring importance of these skills for IFR proficiency.

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A longstanding corollary to Murphy’s Law asserts that “Interchangeable parts won’t.” So it is when we set out to compare conventional holds to GPS holds. In some respects they can be quite different, and the subtle GPS differences can become suddenly important. Here, then are the ins-and-outs of flying GPS holds.

Consider that there are three phases to any hold: the entry, the execution and maintaining the established hold. I call them the three “E”s. Let’s scrutinize each phase from both conventional and GPS perspectives, then apply that knowledge to some GPS navigators. But, before we dig into that, let’s take a closer look at the difference between a GPS (DME) hold and a conventional holding pattern.