orbit
 

what is the rule to give an orbit clearance to an ifr traffic ?can it be given when she is on the ils:ugh::ugh::ugh:

I've certainly seen it done for spacing or an aircraft too high above the glide...........as long as the aircraft is above the minimum vectoring altitude and won't descend below it until established on the ILS again. I would probably cancel the approach clearance, issue an altitude and the re-issue the approach clearance when established again.

ICAO ATC Comms Doc 4444 defines "orbit" as a delaying tactic when in the vicinity of an airport. It can therefore be given at any stage when close to an airport and does not have to be IFR only. I have orbited some of the finest airports in the world - prior to holding area, during intermediate approach and on an ILS and non-precision approach and had VFR traffic orbit downwind for my benefit!

I'm a procedural approach (without radar) and tower controller.

If an IFR aircraft is VMC I would orbit no problem, if the weather was dodgy I'd say "orbit mantaining own terrain separation, or go around"

If the aircraft is IMC I wouldn't allow an orbit unless the pilot initiated the request and agreed to mantain their own terrain separation. In this case I would suggest a missed approach would be the safer option.

However, if you have radar I imagine it would be fine to approve an orbit, subject to the RMAC (radar minimum levels chart). Perhaps you would say "Orbit approved, not below 1000' until re-established on the ILS". I don't have a ticket though, so don't count me on this!