The Thumb Method for Holding

Introduction

In this blog post, we will discuss a useful technique for visualizing the correct holding pattern entry using your thumb and your heading indicator. This method can be helpful in two situations: when you need to confirm a previously decided entry and when you need to quickly determine the entry when you're falling behind the airplane. Building redundancy into your procedures is crucial for safe IFR flying, and this thumb method provides a way to verify your hypothesis about a holding pattern entry.

The Thumb Method for Left Hand Patterns

For left hand patterns, you will use your left thumb. Place your thumb over the heading indicator, approximately 15 to 20 degrees above the 90-degree point on the left side (nine o'clock position). With your thumb in place, mentally draw a line from up and to the left, down and to the right. This line divides the heading indicator into three sectors: the teardrop sector, parallel sector, and direct sector. The sector just above your thumb is the teardrop sector, opposite your thumb is the parallel sector, and below your thumb is the direct sector. This method can help you determine the correct holding pattern entry for left hand patterns.

The Thumb Method for Right Hand Patterns

For right hand patterns, you will use your right thumb. Place your right thumb at the three o'clock position on the heading indicator. Mentally draw a line from up and to the right, down and to the left. This line divides the heading indicator into the same three sectors as the left hand patterns: teardrop, parallel, and direct. The teardrop sector is always above your thumb, the parallel sector is opposite your thumb, and the direct sector is below your thumb. Using your right thumb, you can determine the correct holding pattern entry for right hand patterns.

Finding the Outbound Heading

When using the thumb method, it is important to identify the outbound heading of the holding pattern. Locate the outbound heading on your heading indicator and determine in which sector it falls. This will help you determine the appropriate holding pattern entry to execute.

Example: ILS Approach into Stockton California

Let's take a look at an example using the ILS approach into Stockton, California. The published holding pattern for runway 29 has an outbound heading of 111 degrees. Imagine you are flying towards the holding fix on a heading of 175 degrees. By superimposing the airplane over the chart, you can see that the entry for this scenario is a parallel entry. When looking at just the heading indicator, you will notice that 111 degrees falls in the parallel sector. Therefore, using the right thumb method, you will determine that a parallel entry is needed for this holding pattern.

Example: Non-Published Holding Pattern

Now let's consider a non-published holding pattern scenario. Air traffic control instructs you to hold northwest of the ABC VOR on the 330-degree radial with left turns, maintaining 3000 feet, and expecting further clearance in 15 minutes. Using the thumb method, you can determine that a left turn entry is required. Place your left thumb at the nine o'clock position on your heading indicator. The outbound heading of 330 degrees falls in the direct sector. When you reach the holding fix, you would immediately initiate a left turn directly into the holding pattern.

Conclusion

The thumb method is a valuable technique for visualizing the correct holding pattern entry using your thumb and your heading indicator. By dividing the heading indicator into three sectors, you can quickly determine the appropriate entry for both left hand and right hand patterns. This method adds redundancy to your procedures and helps you stay safe during IFR flying. Remember to always verify your hypothesis about a holding pattern entry using the thumb method before executing the entry. Happy flying!