Hold Vs. HILPT

A reader, a helo pilot from the U.S. Coast Guard, wrote to ask some interesting questions. It seems theyd just had an FMS upgrade that enables them to fly RNAV (GPS) approaches. All the approach holds that are course reversals (hold in lieu of procedure turn, HILPT) are shown with four-nautical-mile legs. He asked if it is required to fly the entire leg length. The e-mail discussion evolved to ask if a charted hold, such as a missed approach hold, also had mandatory leg lengths. These probing questions prompted some interesting virtual discussions at IFR.

Frank Bowlin

Wednesday, February 08, 2017 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Hold-in-Lieu-of-Procedure Turn (HILPT) entries can be flown with shorter leg lengths than charted, provided the maximum is not exceeded, and pilots are advised to notify ATC. A teardrop entry is often recommended for HILPTs to reduce pilot workload and improve stabilization on the final approach course.
Full holding patterns (e.g., for traffic, missed approach) generally require adherence to charted or assigned leg lengths for obstacle clearance and ATC expectations, though pilots can request deviations.
Despite regulatory interpretations regarding shortening holding pattern legs, the article's definitive takeaway for any deviation from charted or assigned leg lengths in both HILPTs and full holds is to always communicate with and ask ATC for clarification or clearance.

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A reader, a helo pilot from the U.S. Coast Guard, wrote to ask some interesting questions. It seems they’d just had an FMS upgrade that enables them to fly RNAV (GPS) approaches. All the approach holds that are course reversals (hold in lieu of procedure turn, HILPT) are shown with four-nautical-mile legs. He asked if it is required to fly the entire leg length.

The e-mail discussion evolved to ask if a charted hold, such as a missed approach hold, also had mandatory leg lengths. These probing questions prompted some interesting virtual discussions at IFR. Then, just as we were preparing this article, another helo-pilot reader sent us an FAA Legal interpretation mucking with our reasoning.