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Flying the Holding pattern – Wind correction

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Flying the Holding pattern – Wind correction

Due allowance should be made in both heading and timing to compensate for the effects of known wind.

Crosswind
The following figures illustrate one of the methods of correction for crosswind.
One of the methods of correction for crosswind
The correction into wind of 2x the drift in seconds must be at least double at altitudes above 14.000 ft due to higher TAS.

Another method is: correct 2x the drift in degrees into the wind on the outbound leg.
This method is preferred with small drift-angles, instead of rolling-out of the turn for only a few seconds.

Tail- and headwind
Compensate by application of the following system:
– One minute pattern:
Reduce/extend outbound time by one second per knot wind component.
– One and a half minute pattern:
Reduce/extend outbound time by one and a half second per knot wind component.
NOTE: In determining protected airspace, piloting limitations as dealt with in the preceding paragraphs have been accounted for.

Source: ICAO

See also:
Approaching Holding fix

Entry into the Holding

Holding pattern shape and terminology

Standard limitations for Speed, Rate of turn and Timing (Holding)

Flying the Holding pattern – Wind correction
Leaving the Holding pattern

Protected airspace (Holding)

The presented material is for training purpose only!