View Full Version : Radio Call Entering Holding
Dennis Johnson
October 1st 07, 08:44 PM
With help from the people on this newsgroup, I'm happy to announce that I 
passed my IPC!
One thing that came up on my flight was that I didn't announce that I was 
entering holding and my altitude.
The 2006 AIM 5-3-3 a. 1. (f) requires reporting to ATC, whether in radar 
contact or not, "The time and altitude...upon reaching a holding fix..."
However, the FAA's "Instrument Flying Handbook" FAA-H-8083-15, dated 2001, 
says on page10-8 that a report entering holding is not required if in radar 
contact.
Obviously, they contradict each other.  I told the instructor pilot that I 
had chosen to go with the "Instrument Flying Handbook" version and not make 
a report to ATC because it seemed to me that if I was in radar contact, the 
controller would see it happening.
So, what do you think?  Which FAA book is wrong?  Why does the controller 
need reminding that I'm entering holding when I'm in radar contact?
Thanks,
Dennis
Jim Macklin
October 1st 07, 09:04 PM
Rules and procedures change, they are not static.
Your answer is in the dates you cited.
"Dennis Johnson" > wrote in message 
. ..
| With help from the people on this newsgroup, I'm happy to 
announce that I
| passed my IPC!
|
| One thing that came up on my flight was that I didn't 
announce that I was
| entering holding and my altitude.
|
| The 2006 AIM 5-3-3 a. 1. (f) requires reporting to ATC, 
whether in radar
| contact or not, "The time and altitude...upon reaching a 
holding fix..."
|
| However, the FAA's "Instrument Flying Handbook" 
FAA-H-8083-15, dated 2001,
| says on page10-8 that a report entering holding is not 
required if in radar
| contact.
|
| Obviously, they contradict each other.  I told the 
instructor pilot that I
| had chosen to go with the "Instrument Flying Handbook" 
version and not make
| a report to ATC because it seemed to me that if I was in 
radar contact, the
| controller would see it happening.
|
| So, what do you think?  Which FAA book is wrong?  Why does 
the controller
| need reminding that I'm entering holding when I'm in radar 
contact?
|
| Thanks,
| Dennis
|
|
Mark Hansen
October 1st 07, 09:46 PM
On 10/01/07 11:44, Dennis Johnson wrote:
> With help from the people on this newsgroup, I'm happy to announce that I 
> passed my IPC!
> 
> One thing that came up on my flight was that I didn't announce that I was 
> entering holding and my altitude.
> 
> The 2006 AIM 5-3-3 a. 1. (f) requires reporting to ATC, whether in radar 
> contact or not, "The time and altitude...upon reaching a holding fix..."
> 
> However, the FAA's "Instrument Flying Handbook" FAA-H-8083-15, dated 2001, 
> says on page10-8 that a report entering holding is not required if in radar 
> contact.
Hmmm, 2001 - that's pretty old. There's a 2007 version out there. In that
section, here is what it said under the 'At all times' category:
  f) The time and altitude upon reaching a holding fix
  or point to which cleared
  g) When leaving any assigned holding fix or point
  NOTE - The reports in (f) and (g) may be omitted
  by pilots of aircraft involved in instrument
  training at military terminal area facilities when
  radar service is being provided.
So maybe it's time to get the new book?
> 
> Obviously, they contradict each other.  I told the instructor pilot that I 
> had chosen to go with the "Instrument Flying Handbook" version and not make 
> a report to ATC because it seemed to me that if I was in radar contact, the 
> controller would see it happening.
> 
> So, what do you think?  Which FAA book is wrong?  Why does the controller 
> need reminding that I'm entering holding when I'm in radar contact?
> 
> Thanks,
> Dennis 
> 
> 
-- 
Mark Hansen, PP-ASEL, Instrument Airplane, USUA Ultralight Pilot
Cal Aggie Flying Farmers
Sacramento, CA
Bob Gardner
October 1st 07, 11:58 PM
I have noticed over the years that many pilots assume that the controller is 
watching their data block like a hawk, ready to pick up any error, 
diversion, or navigational situation. Tain't so. Once the controller has 
transmitted the holding instructions and you have acknowledged them, he or 
she assumes that you are going to carry them out and switches to watching 
other traffic. Speak up.
Bob Gardner
"Dennis Johnson" > wrote in message 
. ..
> With help from the people on this newsgroup, I'm happy to announce that I 
> passed my IPC!
>
> One thing that came up on my flight was that I didn't announce that I was 
> entering holding and my altitude.
>
> The 2006 AIM 5-3-3 a. 1. (f) requires reporting to ATC, whether in radar 
> contact or not, "The time and altitude...upon reaching a holding fix..."
>
> However, the FAA's "Instrument Flying Handbook" FAA-H-8083-15, dated 2001, 
> says on page10-8 that a report entering holding is not required if in 
> radar contact.
>
> Obviously, they contradict each other.  I told the instructor pilot that I 
> had chosen to go with the "Instrument Flying Handbook" version and not 
> make a report to ATC because it seemed to me that if I was in radar 
> contact, the controller would see it happening.
>
> So, what do you think?  Which FAA book is wrong?  Why does the controller 
> need reminding that I'm entering holding when I'm in radar contact?
>
> Thanks,
> Dennis
>
Newps
October 2nd 07, 12:47 AM
Dennis Johnson wrote:
> So, what do you think?  Which FAA book is wrong?  Why does the controller 
> need reminding that I'm entering holding when I'm in radar contact?
> 
A radar controller never needs to know you have entered holding.  A 
useless call.  If he needs a report of any kind he will ask.
Roy Smith
October 2nd 07, 01:28 AM
In article >,
 "Dennis Johnson" > wrote:
> So, what do you think?  Which FAA book is wrong?  Why does the controller 
> need reminding that I'm entering holding when I'm in radar contact?
The controller told you to hold, and he's watching you hold on radar.  He 
doesn't need you to report entering the hold.  If you follow much of what 
the AIM tells you to do, you'll be assured of being up to the minute on the 
latest 1950's procedures.
Bob Gardner
October 2nd 07, 01:46 AM
I would think that a pilot on a checkride or IPC would be well advised to 
follow provisions of the AIM.
Bob Gardner
"Roy Smith" > wrote in message 
...
> In article >,
> "Dennis Johnson" > wrote:
>
>> So, what do you think?  Which FAA book is wrong?  Why does the controller
>> need reminding that I'm entering holding when I'm in radar contact?
>
> The controller told you to hold, and he's watching you hold on radar.  He
> doesn't need you to report entering the hold.  If you follow much of what
> the AIM tells you to do, you'll be assured of being up to the minute on 
> the
> latest 1950's procedures.
B
October 2nd 07, 04:17 PM
Roy Smith wrote:
> In article >,
>  "Dennis Johnson" > wrote:
> 
> 
>>So, what do you think?  Which FAA book is wrong?  Why does the controller 
>>need reminding that I'm entering holding when I'm in radar contact?
> 
> 
> The controller told you to hold, and he's watching you hold on radar.  He 
> doesn't need you to report entering the hold.  If you follow much of what 
> the AIM tells you to do, you'll be assured of being up to the minute on the 
> latest 1950's procedures.
You indeed follow the AIM.  Having said that, controllers don't usually 
watch holding patterns.
Jim Macklin
October 2nd 07, 05:29 PM
The AIM states that when there is a variance between the AIM 
and the FAR, follow the current FAR.
"Bob Gardner" > wrote in message 
. ..
|I would think that a pilot on a checkride or IPC would be 
well advised to
| follow provisions of the AIM.
|
| Bob Gardner
|
| "Roy Smith" > wrote in message
| ...
| > In article 
>,
| > "Dennis Johnson" > wrote:
| >
| >> So, what do you think?  Which FAA book is wrong?  Why 
does the controller
| >> need reminding that I'm entering holding when I'm in 
radar contact?
| >
| > The controller told you to hold, and he's watching you 
hold on radar.  He
| > doesn't need you to report entering the hold.  If you 
follow much of what
| > the AIM tells you to do, you'll be assured of being up 
to the minute on
| > the
| > latest 1950's procedures.
|
Mark Hansen
October 2nd 07, 05:29 PM
On 10/02/07 08:29, Jim Macklin wrote:
> The AIM states that when there is a variance between the AIM 
> and the FAR, follow the current FAR.
Is there a variance in this case?
> 
> 
> 
> "Bob Gardner" > wrote in message 
> . ..
> |I would think that a pilot on a checkride or IPC would be 
> well advised to
> | follow provisions of the AIM.
> |
> | Bob Gardner
> |
> | "Roy Smith" > wrote in message
> | ...
> | > In article 
> >,
> | > "Dennis Johnson" > wrote:
> | >
> | >> So, what do you think?  Which FAA book is wrong?  Why 
> does the controller
> | >> need reminding that I'm entering holding when I'm in 
> radar contact?
> | >
> | > The controller told you to hold, and he's watching you 
> hold on radar.  He
> | > doesn't need you to report entering the hold.  If you 
> follow much of what
> | > the AIM tells you to do, you'll be assured of being up 
> to the minute on
> | > the
> | > latest 1950's procedures.
> | 
> 
> 
-- 
Mark Hansen, PP-ASEL, Instrument Airplane, USUA Ultralight Pilot
Cal Aggie Flying Farmers
Sacramento, CA
Jim Macklin
October 2nd 07, 05:53 PM
The OP cited dates 2001 and 2005 if I recall correctly.  The 
reference was to an old FAA training handbook and a newer 
AIM.
Reporting is not required unless the report is asked for by 
ATC, otherwise just listen.
e-CFR Data is current as of September 28, 2007
Title 14: Aeronautics and Space
PART 91-GENERAL OPERATING AND FLIGHT RULES
Subpart B-Flight Rules
Instrument Flight Rules
Browse Previous | Browse Next
§ 91.183   IFR communications.
Unless otherwise authorized by ATC, the pilot in command of 
each aircraft operated under IFR in controlled airspace must 
ensure that a continuous watch is maintained on the 
appropriate frequency and must report the following as soon 
as possible-
(a) The time and altitude of passing each designated 
reporting point, or the reporting points specified by ATC, 
except that while the aircraft is under radar control, only 
the passing of those reporting points specifically requested 
by ATC need be reported;
(b) Any unforecast weather conditions encountered; and
(c) Any other information relating to the safety of flight.
[Doc. No. 18334, 54 FR 34294, Aug. 18, 1989, as amended by 
Amdt. 91-296, 72 FR 31679, June 7, 2007]
"Dennis Johnson" > wrote in message
. ..
| With help from the people on this newsgroup, I'm happy to
announce that I
| passed my IPC!
|
| One thing that came up on my flight was that I didn't
announce that I was
| entering holding and my altitude.
|
| The 2006 AIM 5-3-3 a. 1. (f) requires reporting to ATC,
whether in radar
| contact or not, "The time and altitude...upon reaching a
holding fix..."
|
| However, the FAA's "Instrument Flying Handbook"
FAA-H-8083-15, dated 2001,
| says on page10-8 that a report entering holding is not
required if in radar
| contact.
|
| Obviously, they contradict each other.  I told the
instructor pilot that I
| had chosen to go with the "Instrument Flying Handbook"
version and not make
| a report to ATC because it seemed to me that if I was in
radar contact, the
| controller would see it happening.
|
| So, what do you think?  Which FAA book is wrong?  Why does
the controller
| need reminding that I'm entering holding when I'm in radar
contact?
|
| Thanks,
| Dennis
|
|
"Mark Hansen" > wrote in message
...
| On 10/02/07 08:29, Jim Macklin wrote:
| > The AIM states that when there is a variance between the
AIM
| > and the FAR, follow the current FAR.
|
| Is there a variance in this case?
|
| >
| >
| >
| > "Bob Gardner" > wrote in message
| > . ..
| > |I would think that a pilot on a checkride or IPC would
be
| > well advised to
| > | follow provisions of the AIM.
| > |
| > | Bob Gardner
| > |
| > | "Roy Smith" > wrote in message
| > | ...
| > | > In article
| > >,
| > | > "Dennis Johnson" > wrote:
| > | >
| > | >> So, what do you think?  Which FAA book is wrong?
Why
| > does the controller
| > | >> need reminding that I'm entering holding when I'm
in
| > radar contact?
| > | >
| > | > The controller told you to hold, and he's watching
you
| > hold on radar.  He
| > | > doesn't need you to report entering the hold.  If
you
| > follow much of what
| > | > the AIM tells you to do, you'll be assured of being
up
| > to the minute on
| > | > the
| > | > latest 1950's procedures.
| > |
| >
| >
|
|
|
| -- 
| Mark Hansen, PP-ASEL, Instrument Airplane, USUA Ultralight
Pilot
| Cal Aggie Flying Farmers
| Sacramento, CA
Mark Hansen
October 2nd 07, 06:41 PM
On 10/02/07 08:53, Jim Macklin wrote:
> The OP cited dates 2001 and 2005 if I recall correctly.  The 
> reference was to an old FAA training handbook and a newer 
> AIM.
> 
> Reporting is not required unless the report is asked for by 
> ATC, otherwise just listen.
Hmmm, it seems the current FAR doesn't even agree with the current
Instrument Flying Handbook.
Well ... the FARs win ;-)
I guess the OP should to go back to his IPC check instructor and have
him/her explain FAR 91.183 (a).
B
October 2nd 07, 07:39 PM
Jim Macklin wrote:
> The OP cited dates 2001 and 2005 if I recall correctly.  The 
> reference was to an old FAA training handbook and a newer 
> AIM.
> 
> Reporting is not required unless the report is asked for by 
> ATC, otherwise just listen.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> e-CFR Data is current as of September 28, 2007
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Title 14: Aeronautics and Space
> PART 91-GENERAL OPERATING AND FLIGHT RULES
> Subpart B-Flight Rules
> Instrument Flight Rules
> 
> 
> Browse Previous | Browse Next
> 
> 
> § 91.183   IFR communications.
> Unless otherwise authorized by ATC, the pilot in command of 
> each aircraft operated under IFR in controlled airspace must 
> ensure that a continuous watch is maintained on the 
> appropriate frequency and must report the following as soon 
> as possible-
> 
> (a) The time and altitude of passing each designated 
> reporting point, or the reporting points specified by ATC, 
> except that while the aircraft is under radar control, only 
> the passing of those reporting points specifically requested 
> by ATC need be reported;
> 
> (b) Any unforecast weather conditions encountered; and
> 
> (c) Any other information relating to the safety of flight.
> 
(b) and (c) tie directly to AIM 5-5-3.  Language like this is 
"directive" and non-compliance is considered any violation of 91.183 (b) 
or (c).
Failure to report the FAF inbound when non-radar has been successfully 
prosecuted by the feds more than once:
5-3-3. Additional Reports
a. The following reports should be made to ATC or FSS facilities without 
a specific ATC request:
1. At all times.
(a) When vacating any previously assigned altitude or flight level for a 
newly assigned altitude or flight level.
(b) When an altitude change will be made if operating on a clearance 
specifying VFR-on-top.
(c) When unable to climb/descend at a rate of a least 500 feet per minute.
(d) When approach has been missed. (Request clearance for specific 
action; i.e., to alternative airport, another approach, etc.)
(e) Change in the average true airspeed (at cruising altitude) when it 
varies by 5 percent or 10 knots (whichever is greater) from that filed 
in the flight plan.
(f) The time and altitude or flight level upon reaching a holding fix or 
point to which cleared.
(g) When leaving any assigned holding fix or point.
NOTE-
The reports in subparagraphs (f) and (g) may be omitted by pilots of 
aircraft involved in instrument training at military terminal area 
facilities when radar service is being provided.
(h) Any loss, in controlled airspace, of VOR, TACAN, ADF, low frequency 
navigation receiver capability, GPS anomalies while using installed 
IFR-certified GPS/GNSS receivers, complete or partial loss of ILS 
receiver capability or impairment of air/ground communications 
capability. Reports should include aircraft identification, equipment 
affected, degree to which the capability to operate under IFR in the ATC 
system is impaired, and the nature and extent of assistance desired from 
ATC.
NOTE-
1. Other equipment installed in an aircraft may effectively impair 
safety and/or the ability to operate under IFR. If such equipment (e.g., 
airborne weather radar) malfunctions and in the pilot’s judgment either 
safety or IFR capabilities are affected, reports should be made as above.
2. When reporting GPS anomalies, include the location and altitude of 
the anomaly. Be specific when describing the location and include 
duration of the anomaly if necessary.
(i) Any information relating to the safety of flight.
2. When not in radar contact.
(a) When leaving final approach fix inbound on final approach 
(nonprecision approach) or when leaving the outer marker or fix used in 
lieu of the outer marker inbound on final approach (precision approach).
(b) A corrected estimate at anytime it becomes apparent that an estimate 
as previously submitted is in error in excess of 3 minutes.
b. Pilots encountering weather conditions which have not been forecast, 
or hazardous conditions which have been forecast, are expected to 
forward a report of such weather to ATC.
REFERENCE-
AIM, Pilot Weather Reports (PIREPs), Paragraph 7-1-20.
14 CFR Section 91.183(B) and (C).
Jim Macklin
October 2nd 07, 10:15 PM
Certainly, failing to report when not in radar contact is a 
violation and is not the procedure in the OP post.
"B" > wrote in message 
...
| Jim Macklin wrote:
| > The OP cited dates 2001 and 2005 if I recall correctly. 
The
| > reference was to an old FAA training handbook and a 
newer
| > AIM.
| >
| > Reporting is not required unless the report is asked for 
by
| > ATC, otherwise just listen.
| >
| >
| >
| >
| > e-CFR Data is current as of September 28, 2007
| >
| >
| >
| >
| > Title 14: Aeronautics and Space
| > PART 91-GENERAL OPERATING AND FLIGHT RULES
| > Subpart B-Flight Rules
| > Instrument Flight Rules
| >
| >
| > Browse Previous | Browse Next
| >
| >
| > § 91.183   IFR communications.
| > Unless otherwise authorized by ATC, the pilot in command 
of
| > each aircraft operated under IFR in controlled airspace 
must
| > ensure that a continuous watch is maintained on the
| > appropriate frequency and must report the following as 
soon
| > as possible-
| >
| > (a) The time and altitude of passing each designated
| > reporting point, or the reporting points specified by 
ATC,
| > except that while the aircraft is under radar control, 
only
| > the passing of those reporting points specifically 
requested
| > by ATC need be reported;
| >
| > (b) Any unforecast weather conditions encountered; and
| >
| > (c) Any other information relating to the safety of 
flight.
| >
|
| (b) and (c) tie directly to AIM 5-5-3.  Language like this 
is
| "directive" and non-compliance is considered any violation 
of 91.183 (b)
| or (c).
|
| Failure to report the FAF inbound when non-radar has been 
successfully
| prosecuted by the feds more than once:
|
| 5-3-3. Additional Reports
| a. The following reports should be made to ATC or FSS 
facilities without
| a specific ATC request:
| 1. At all times.
| (a) When vacating any previously assigned altitude or 
flight level for a
| newly assigned altitude or flight level.
| (b) When an altitude change will be made if operating on a 
clearance
| specifying VFR-on-top.
| (c) When unable to climb/descend at a rate of a least 500 
feet per minute.
| (d) When approach has been missed. (Request clearance for 
specific
| action; i.e., to alternative airport, another approach, 
etc.)
| (e) Change in the average true airspeed (at cruising 
altitude) when it
| varies by 5 percent or 10 knots (whichever is greater) 
from that filed
| in the flight plan.
| (f) The time and altitude or flight level upon reaching a 
holding fix or
| point to which cleared.
| (g) When leaving any assigned holding fix or point.
| NOTE-
| The reports in subparagraphs (f) and (g) may be omitted by 
pilots of
| aircraft involved in instrument training at military 
terminal area
| facilities when radar service is being provided.
| (h) Any loss, in controlled airspace, of VOR, TACAN, ADF, 
low frequency
| navigation receiver capability, GPS anomalies while using 
installed
| IFR-certified GPS/GNSS receivers, complete or partial loss 
of ILS
| receiver capability or impairment of air/ground 
communications
| capability. Reports should include aircraft 
identification, equipment
| affected, degree to which the capability to operate under 
IFR in the ATC
| system is impaired, and the nature and extent of 
assistance desired from
| ATC.
| NOTE-
| 1. Other equipment installed in an aircraft may 
effectively impair
| safety and/or the ability to operate under IFR. If such 
equipment (e.g.,
| airborne weather radar) malfunctions and in the pilot’s 
judgment either
| safety or IFR capabilities are affected, reports should be 
made as above.
| 2. When reporting GPS anomalies, include the location and 
altitude of
| the anomaly. Be specific when describing the location and 
include
| duration of the anomaly if necessary.
| (i) Any information relating to the safety of flight.
| 2. When not in radar contact.
| (a) When leaving final approach fix inbound on final 
approach
| (nonprecision approach) or when leaving the outer marker 
or fix used in
| lieu of the outer marker inbound on final approach 
(precision approach).
| (b) A corrected estimate at anytime it becomes apparent 
that an estimate
| as previously submitted is in error in excess of 3 
minutes.
| b. Pilots encountering weather conditions which have not 
been forecast,
| or hazardous conditions which have been forecast, are 
expected to
| forward a report of such weather to ATC.
| REFERENCE-
| AIM, Pilot Weather Reports (PIREPs), Paragraph 7-1-20.
| 14 CFR Section 91.183(B) and (C).
Stick around long enough and you will find many things like this -
crap that doesn't amount to a hill of beans to ATC but anal-retentive
instructors and examiners hold sacred.  Other  examples are
parallel-teardrop-direct entries and racetrack patterns with one
minute inbound legs.  There are many more.  They are passed from
generation to generation, no matter how much things change.
With experience, you will be able to separate the crap from the
meaningful.    Attend lots of Wings meetings whenever ATC  controllers
are present and talk to them.  Take what you hear from instructors
with a grain of salt.  Most of them (especially the young ones) are
Typhoid Marys.
On Mon, 1 Oct 2007 11:44:30 -0700, "Dennis Johnson"
> wrote:
>With help from the people on this newsgroup, I'm happy to announce that I 
>passed my IPC!
>
>One thing that came up on my flight was that I didn't announce that I was 
>entering holding and my altitude.
>
>The 2006 AIM 5-3-3 a. 1. (f) requires reporting to ATC, whether in radar 
>contact or not, "The time and altitude...upon reaching a holding fix..."
>
>However, the FAA's "Instrument Flying Handbook" FAA-H-8083-15, dated 2001, 
>says on page10-8 that a report entering holding is not required if in radar 
>contact.
>
>Obviously, they contradict each other.  I told the instructor pilot that I 
>had chosen to go with the "Instrument Flying Handbook" version and not make 
>a report to ATC because it seemed to me that if I was in radar contact, the 
>controller would see it happening.
>
>So, what do you think?  Which FAA book is wrong?  Why does the controller 
>need reminding that I'm entering holding when I'm in radar contact?
>
>Thanks,
>Dennis 
>
B
October 3rd 07, 09:51 PM
 wrote:
> Stick around long enough and you will find many things like this -
> crap that doesn't amount to a hill of beans to ATC but anal-retentive
> instructors and examiners hold sacred.  Other  examples are
> parallel-teardrop-direct entries and racetrack patterns with one
> minute inbound legs.  There are many more.  They are passed from
> generation to generation, no matter how much things change.
> 
Do you fly jets?
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