Timed Approaches from Holding Fix

AIM ¶ 5-4-10 — Timed Approaches from Holding Fix

AIM 5-4-10 explains timed approaches from a holding fix: required conditions, no procedure turn, and how to depart the fix at the assigned time.

In Plain English

Timed approaches are a sequencing technique ATC uses to space arriving IFR aircraft into a non-radar or busy environment by assigning each pilot a specific time to leave the holding fix inbound on the approach.

For timed approaches to be used, all of these conditions must be met:

A control tower is operating at the destination airport.
Direct communications exist between pilot and center/approach until handed to tower.
If multiple missed approach procedures exist, none may require a course reversal.
If only one missed approach is available, it must not require a course reversal and reported ceiling/visibility must meet or exceed the highest circling minimums for the IAP.

Key pilot actions:

When cleared for the approach, do not fly a procedure turn (per 14 CFR 91.175).
ATC won't announce "timed approaches in use"—the assigned time to depart the FAF (nonprecision) or OM/fix in lieu (precision) is your cue.
Adjust your holding pattern (e.g., racetrack vs. 360) to cross the fix inbound as close to the assigned time as possible, compensating for wind: shorten the outbound leg for a headwind on final, lengthen it for a tailwind.

Alternatively, ATC may use radar vectors to establish a mileage interval rather than holding.

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AIM Source Text

FAA AIM ¶ 5-4-10

TIMED APPROACHES may be conducted when the following conditions are met: A control tower is in operation at the airport where the approaches are conducted. Direct communications are maintained between the pilot and the center or approach controller until the pilot is instructed to contact the tower. If more than one missed approach procedure is available, none require a course reversal. If only one missed approach procedure is available, the following conditions are met: Course reversal is not required; and, Reported ceiling and visibility are equal to or greater than the highest prescribed circling minimums for the IAP. When cleared for the approach, pilots must not execute a procedure turn. (14 CFR section 91.175.) Although the controller will not specifically state that “timed approaches are in use,” the assigning of a time to depart the final approach fix inbound (nonprecision approach) or the outer marker or fix used in lieu of the outer marker inbound (precision approach) is indicative that timed approach procedures are being utilized, or in lieu of holding, the controller may use radar vectors to the Final Approach Course to establish a mileage interval between aircraft that will ensure the appropriate time sequence between the final approach fix/outer marker or fix used in lieu of the outer marker and the airport. Each pilot in an approach sequence will be given advance notice as to the time they should leave the holding point on approach to the airport. When a time to leave the holding point has been received, the pilot should adjust the flight path to leave the fix as closely as possible to the designated time. (See FIG 5-4-19 .) FIG 5-4-19 Timed Approaches from a Holding Fix

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Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1What conditions must be met before ATC can conduct timed approaches from a holding fix?

Per AIM 5-4-10, a control tower must be operating at the airport, direct communications must be maintained with center/approach until handed to tower, and missed approach procedures must not require a course reversal. If only one missed approach is available, ceiling and visibility must also be at or above the highest circling minimums for the IAP.

Q2How do you know timed approaches are in use, and what action is prohibited when cleared for the approach?

Per AIM 5-4-10, the controller will not specifically state timed approaches are in use; the clue is being assigned a time to leave the FAF inbound (nonprecision) or the outer marker/fix in lieu (precision). When cleared for the approach, the pilot must not execute a procedure turn, consistent with 14 CFR 91.175.

Q3If you receive an inbound time from the holding fix and need to lose 3 minutes, how do you plan the holding pattern, and how does wind affect it?

Per AIM 5-4-10, with more than 2 minutes to lose, fly a racetrack rather than a 360. The two turns consume about 2 minutes, leaving 1 minute for level flight split between the outbound and inbound legs—about 30 seconds outbound. Shorten the outbound leg for an expected headwind on final, and lengthen it for a tailwind, to cross the fix at the assigned time.

Related Paragraphs in Chapter 5

¶ 5-4-1

STAR Procedures and Descend Via

¶ 5-4-11

Radar Approaches

¶ 5-4-12

Radar Monitoring Instrument Approaches

¶ 5-4-13

Simultaneous Parallel Approaches

¶ 5-4-14

Simultaneous Dependent Approaches

¶ 5-4-15