Fred yes they are excllent turorials for those who find the depths of the FMC a bit midboggling - I was just merely trying to not let the poster who asked about descent in holds get confused about what might happen, as your answer may have lead to confusion. All posts that are helping everyone enjoy this excellent sim fully are always a great thing - reading manuals is fine for those of us who know what we are looking for in the first place - simple guides like this are a great help to those newer to complex sims - so keep them up Fred.

Thanks James ! Cheers !!

Part 5. "How to enter a Holding Pattern" that is NOT part of the active route ! You can put in a holding pattern at a fix that is not in the active route.( In this example I will use AVE as the fix ) The holding fix and pattern can be put into the route at the same time !I just pushed the HOLD key and put AVE into the HOLD AT boxes.The message HOLD AT AVE shows in the scratchpad.This is because AVE is Not a waypoint in the active route. (see Pic 1) I Selected line 2 to put in the waypoint and holding pattern after CZ005. (see Pic 2)

Part 2 !! " How To Enter a HOLDING Pattern " at a route waypoint. ATC has instructed me to HOLD at REYES. I would line slect REYES to the scratchpad and then put REYES into the HOLD AT boxes. (see Pic 1) Since REYES is a route waypoint, the FMC puts the holding pattern into the LEGS page with the flight plan course to the fix. (see Pic 2) ATC has also instructed me to use a Left Turn and a 10 mile leg. (see Pic 3)( The default turn was to the right and no leg distance............compare pic's 2 & 3 )

How do you change from a R/H leg to a L/H leg?

How do you change from a R/H leg to a L/H leg?

Very simple !! On the HOLD PAGE it defaults to a R/H turn but you can put L in the scatchpad and upselect it to the LSK 3.The plane will then make a L/H turn into holding. Fred.

Fantastic! Also. Is there a way to change to change the inbound course?

Fantastic! Also. Is there a way to change to change the inbound course?

If for example the waypoint was a VOR, you could chnage the inbound course to any radial for that VOR !!Usually though you would use the course that is in your flight plan route.

That is awsome info!!!! Guess what i'll be practicing tonight LOL

Whet holding, do the "Expect Further Clearance at..." option actually does something, or is only there for show?I don´t know how to enter data on that field.Armando

This is at the end of a STAR.LOREL 2S STAR into EGSS.The hold point is a 189 Degree Left hand turn.When I entered it into my FMC it came up as a 199 Degree Leg. The VATON Hold was fine though.

Whet holding, do the "Expect Further Clearance at..." option actually does something, or is only there for show?I don´t know how to enter data on that field.Armando

Yes the Expect Further Clearence will effect the amount of time you have left to hold, as can be seen on the line underneath that setting.Pilots enter the time that ATC gives them in that line. You enter the data using the standard 24 hour clock format.............example............1805 The info on the FIX ETA line is calculated by the FMC. Remaining Fuel is obviously a big issue with long holding times. USING RSV FUEL will display in the scratchpad if reserve fuel is being used. Fred.

Only tested once so far, but the EFC field seems INOP as of SP1. It would be a great addition to help with fuel planning, but the HOLD AVAIL line does the job.

For those who want to select and fly the appropriate entry themselves, Jeppesen has this "Holding Pattern Computer".Not much of a computerhttp://acespilotshop.com/pilot-supplies/flight-computers/holding_computer.htmbut it's cheap and I think widely available in sim-shops.Great help, I used it a lot!Bert Van Bulck

Love your work, Fred. Merry Xmas.

Hi,The NGX will follow the hold correctly but it also depends how far in advance the ATC will tell you.If very close the first one will be a bit ovale,after it settles it will be fine.The speed will be around 220 kts and the a/c will take time to slow down.At FL200 the atc tells down to FL120 in the hold.Put the new FL and click below right on alt int( altitude intervention),after a few seconds the a/c will start to descend.When you leave the hold you will see the a/c accelerate to FMC speed.The same thing applies to the speed (spd intv).When you click it it will show the speed you are doing,then amend it to your wish,very useful on approach.I hope this helps.AlainV

Love your work, Fred. Merry Xmas.

Thank you !Merry Christmas to you too Jeff and " Happy New Year "Fred.