I've been finally using the holding option in RC 4.01. I unsderstand that my final fix has to be a VOR within 5 miles of the airport. I have been getting vectors all over the sky for holding, instead of to a fix, because I usually just use the STAR. Does ATC issue the hold for that VOR or will it issue for an earlier fix? If I go into ORD for example, in the real world, approach doesn't issue holds. Center holds them 40 miles out, nowhere near the VOR.Thanks,Matt Collins

if the copilot is flying the plane, you're going to get vectors. if you have the comms you can choose, vectors or holding patternis it possible you are missing your crossing restriction, and that is why you are being vectored so close to approach?the initial hold or vector dialog happens 70 miles out from the destination.unfortunatley, i don't have a database of all the holding patterns for all the airports, so i do something generic, at all airports. ie. 20 mile legs, on a radial from the vor near the field.jd

I don't recall being given a choice on vectors or pattern. If I miss the crossing restriction, all that usually happens is I get yelled at during the eval. The crossing restrictions can be kinda steep. 3000 fpm plus, sometimes, but that's a subject for another day. : ) I understand about the holding patterns. Getting all of them would be kind of difficult. As far as holding legs, the commercial pilots usually request 10 mile legs ( I was a ZAU controller until the 81 strike). I'll just have to play with it some more, and see if I can figure out what happens and when.Love the program anyway.Thanks, Matt

if the last checkpoint is more than 5 miles from the airport, you will not be asked your choice between holding pattern and vectors. you will just get vectorsjd

I knew that. I misunderstood where the hold would be. I finally got held last night. I was thinking it would be at the VOR, but was held at a radial/dme fix, 40 miles out which is just about right. Even got descents in the hold.Thanks,Matt