UNS-1 holding pattern entry

[trisager]

I've been playing with the holding pattern definition in the UNS-1. So far, I've been unable to change the hold entry type.

Is direct entry the only method supported?

[Mark]

Yes, direct entry is the only entry type supported by our UNS-1.

Mark - Just Flight

[brammy]

I need to look into this more. I have had no luck getting it to work as it does on the charts. How should I intercept the direct entry? I've done a DTO to the waypoint but it does about half a circuit and then goes straight.

[trisager]

"Direct entry" means you fly directly to the holding fix, cross the fix, and turn on to the outbound course. It sounds like what you experienced. If the autopilot is engaged, the plane should continue to fly that course for one minute (unless you changed the default leg time), then turn back on the inbound course to the fix.

The other entry types that I know about are "teardrop entry" and "parallel entry". These are needed when the turn you would have to make after crossing the fix the first time on to the outbound course is so sharp, that trying to fly it could bring you outside the area where the holding altitude assures terrain clearance.

If you google these entry types, the first few hits will have illustrations that explain the above better than words.

The thing to be aware of is, if you have to fly a hold using the UNS-1 - e.g. on Vatsim - you will have to fly the hold entry manually in the cases where you need an entry type that isn't supported. I haven't tried yet, but I expect you would fly towards the hold fix in BEAM mode, switch to heading mode just before crossing the fix, fly a teardrop or parallel entry in heading mode, then enable BEAM again once you are established on the inbount course to the holding fix.

A fun challenge, but obviously a lot of work at a time when you are probably already quite busy.

[brammy]

Thanks, this was helpful. I think the only time I'd fly it on Vatsim are the times I know the controller.