B2104 FLIGHT 1.0 hours airborne + briefings

Holding Patterns and Non-Precision Approaches

Terminal environment procedures and VOR/RNAV approaches

OBJECTIVE

Enable trainees to enter and maintain holding patterns and transition to non-precision approaches in the T-38 Talon under IFR conditions, applying all prior topics in a terminal environment to enhance precision, decision-making, and integration of communications, instruments, and navigation at KSPS.

CONTENT

Pre-Flight Briefing and Preparation

  • • Review of ground lessons on navigation procedures, instruments, and comms; discuss sortie objectives including hold scenarios based on weather and ATC expectations.
  • • IFR flight planning: Trainees prepare and file a plan using DD Form 1801 that includes a hold at a designated fix near KSPS, incorporating non-precision approach procedures and alternates.
  • • Safety and variables: Emphasis on high-speed holding adjustments for T-38, wind effects, and missed approach contingencies.

Airborne Procedures and Maneuvers

  • • IFR clearance and departure: Obtain clearance, execute departure, and navigate to the holding fix with enroute comms.
  • • Holding patterns: Standard/non-standard entries (parallel, teardrop, direct), timing with wind corrections, and maintaining protected airspace at assigned speeds (265 KIAS max).
  • • Non-precision approaches: Transition from hold to approach (VOR, TACAN, or RNAV), procedure turns if needed, descent to MDA, and missed approach execution.
  • • Integration: Full comms cycle with ATC for hold instructions and vectors, while sustaining instrument scan and navigation accuracy.

HOLDING ENTRY QUICK REFERENCE

DIRECT

0°-70°

TEARDROP

70°-110°

PARALLEL

110°-180°

Post-Flight Debrief

  • • Performance review: Assess hold stability, approach execution, and tolerances using flight data; identify comms or procedural errors.
  • • Trainee reflection: Discussion on terminal environment challenges and buildup to precision approaches.

SORTIE TASKS

No controller required. No instructor required. Fly on VATSIM IAW VATSIM regulations. ATC online is strongly encouraged for IFR comm practice.

Pre-Sortie

  1. 1Plan an IFR route including a holding fix and a non-precision approach (VOR, TACAN, or RNAV); file on VATSIM and connect
  2. 2Determine the correct holding entry type (direct, parallel, or teardrop) for your planned fix before departure
  3. 3If ATC is online, obtain clearance; if not, depart on planned routing

Sortie

  1. 4Navigate to the holding fix on instruments; enter the hold using the correct entry procedure
  2. 5Fly at least 2 complete holding circuits; apply wind correction and maintain ±100 ft altitude, ±10 kts airspeed
  3. 6Exit the hold and transition to the non-precision approach; descend on profile to MDA
  4. 7Execute a full missed approach procedure from MDA
  5. 8Fly a second approach; land full-stop

Post-Sortie

  1. 9Log the sortie in the vTAC flight log system

Approved Callsigns

KENT — local IFR at KSPS
EURO · ENJEP · RAMA — out-and-back, destination not listed below
JAVET — if destination is KTIK (Tinker)
ARCAS — if destination is KDYS (Dyess)
BURNY — if destination is KLBB (Lubbock)
FIDO — if destination is KAFW / NAS Fort Worth

COMPLETION STANDARDS

Trainees will demonstrate proficiency in holding patterns and non-precision approaches through successful sortie execution. Trainees must:

  • • Maintain holding within protected airspace (±100 ft altitude, ±10 knots airspeed)
  • • Execute approach stability to MDA tolerances
  • • Demonstrate accurate comms with no critical errors per AETCMAN 11-251 standards

Completion: Instructor confirmation of skill integration

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