Offset entry when cleared for the approach

[syn]

Hi,

My doubt is with regard to the following situation:

You are approaching a VOR that has a published holding pattern from the offset entry sector. The VOR also serves as IAF for an approach procedure, consisting on a racetrack, and you have been cleared for the approach before arriving overhead the VOR.

When this situation has happened I've always followed the offset entry radial for 1 minute and then continued the racetrack and performed the approach. HOWEVER I was tought that the textbook maneouvre would have been to perform the offset entry into the VOR, make the inbound and then, when overhead the VOR again, start the approach procedure.

Now I've been told that the textbook maneouvre is the "practical" one, the one in which you join the racetrack directly after the minute. Can anyone conffirm which of the two options is correct in theory?

Thx!

syn

[Kempus]

Well as you prob know you cant start the decent until on +/-5 degrees of the inbound track so thats why you have to enter the hold/race course until back inbound. You could however self position for a straight in VOR approach. Assuming of course you are in the protected area and in sight of the ground!

kempus

[Odd Socks]

Hi,

You're right. I'm not sure how long ago it changed but when joining a procedure from the offset entry sector you can fly the tear drop for a minute (plus or minus the wind, upto a max 1 min 30 sec) then correct onto a (single drift) heading for the remainder of the alternate procedure. If your company use Aerads, check out the grey Flight Information Supplement. Go to the ICAO rules of the air section & it tells you there under Racetrack procedures. You could also check out Pans Ops, but goodluck with that, it's dryer than dry toast left out in the sun!

Hope this helps :)

Odd Socks

[OzExpat]

The answer might also need to take cognizance of any difference in IAS between holding and the racetrack procedure. The holding pattern may have a broader protection area than the racetrack if the max. holding IAS is higher than the speed in the racetrack. Remember that the racetrack is the initial approach segment and there MAY be a speed limit for that.

If this is the case, you should be at the lower IAS for the racetrack, to remain within its protection area while conducting the reversal.