What airspeed is holding flown at?

What airspeed is holding flown at?

• A. 80 KIAS
• B. 90 KIAS
• C. 100 KIAS
• D. 70 KIAS

Answer: (A)

In a helicopter hold, the speed is set to a standard value to keep the hold predictable and easy to fly. Flying at 80 knots indicated provides a good balance between maneuverability and stability. It allows you to execute a standard-rate turn (about 3 degrees per second) without requiring an excessive bank angle, giving a reasonable turn radius and safe margins from the published hold line and other traffic. If you went faster, like 90 or 100 KIAS, the turn would require a larger bank and a larger circle, making the hold less precise and harder to sequence with other traffic. If you flew slower, like 70 KIAS, the turn rate would drop and legs would lengthen, slowing your ability to manage spacing. So 80 KIAS is the appropriate, standard holding speed for this rotorcraft.

In a helicopter hold, the speed is set to a standard value to keep the hold predictable and easy to fly. Flying at 80 knots indicated provides a good balance between maneuverability and stability. It allows you to execute a standard-rate turn (about 3 degrees per second) without requiring an excessive bank angle, giving a reasonable turn radius and safe margins from the published hold line and other traffic.

If you went faster, like 90 or 100 KIAS, the turn would require a larger bank and a larger circle, making the hold less precise and harder to sequence with other traffic. If you flew slower, like 70 KIAS, the turn rate would drop and legs would lengthen, slowing your ability to manage spacing. So 80 KIAS is the appropriate, standard holding speed for this rotorcraft.