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.

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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