LHR, A380 speed restriction questions.

[Bungfai]

During an approach to LHR, when instructed to fly holding speed (before arriving LAM holding pattern).
For A380, do you fly green dot speed or A380 holding speed ( green dot speed plus 25)?

And during approach descent into LHR, if speed reduction required by ATC , for quick action, should we level off to reduce the speed?

[Thridle Op Des]

You fly the prescribed speed required in the AIP: 220 kts at FL140 and below, and standard ICAO above FL140. The GD for an A380 is roughly 195-200 KIAS (weight dependent). ATC in LHR are very aware you are a 'Super" and knocking off 30 kts will take time, they give you plenty of time for speed reduction and a good read of the arrival procedures in your manuals will give you clarity of what to expect. It is unlikely you will need to 'level off', I would say that in my experience Heathrow and Gatwick Directors provide the best ATC service in the world, they announce track miles to you so you can easily accomplish a Continuous Descent Approach.

[Trent 972]

HOLDING
Holding procedures comply with Jeppesen ATC-Chapter “Flight Procedures (DOC 8168) - Holding Procedures”, Table IV-1-1, Holding Speeds, with the exception of London TMA.
Within London TMA the maximum holding speed up to and including FL140 is 220kt IAS
Never ever levelled out just to reduce speed during descent, in 8 years of A380 ops in London TMA.
The London controllers seem to have a much better 'flow' than the LAX -Reduce Speed NOW!

[Bungfai]

Thank you so much.
Of course, "MAX" speed of 220 below FL140 must be complied.
My question is, do we fly 195kt (GD speed) or 195+25kt (A380 holding speed, GD+25) when ATC instructed to fly holding speed.

[Icelanta]

Eh... You are in the Hold. It doesn't matter what speed you fly as long as you remain within the protected Holding area and comply with ICAO.
Fly the speed that gives you the least drag obviously!

[donpizmeov]

Above FL220-250 you hold at green dot (approx. 220kts) and this is the managed hold speed. As you descend the green dot reduces but the managed hold speed will maintain 220kts until it is green dot +25kts, when it will also start to reduce. Green dot below FL220 reduces so the 380 can maintain being a Cat C approach aeroplane and is no longer a true green dot speed, hence the up to +25kts when low.

[Qwerti]

I take it that Don answered your question.

*Just to add the wake in the conversation.. Terminal area, backside of the curve, flying GD with clean config.. not pleasant for the guys behind you.

[WindSheer]

It's apparent here that London ATC offer unrivaled service given the shear saturation of airspace.

You only have to listen to the BA777 crash at LHR to understand the calibre of the individuals who work there.

Sorry for the drift, but the a380 rookies here seem to have already offered the techy knowledge.