Don't bother overthinking orbits. Just choose a point on the ground and keep a constant turn around said object.
Just what I was thinking. When asked to orbit downwimnd by ATC, just circle over a landmark, at whatever angle of bank you would feel comfortable making any of the level turns in the circuit.
Same applies when asked to hold in a certain position whilst en route.
IFR holds are a different thing altogether.
The angle of bank to maintain a rate one turn increases with speed, and can be found by TAS/8 + 3, or TAS/10+7. depending on who taught you. (Around 15 degrees in most light aircraft.)
You are not expected to calculate this whilst in flight for your actual speed though. Just have a rough Idea what it is, then adjust it slightly to achieve rate one on the Turn Indicator/Turn Coordinator.
MJ
