IFR tips and quick wins
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Frequently asked questions
What is "max drift"?
Max drift is the largest possible drift angle for a given true airspeed and wind speed, the drift you would experience flying at 90 degrees to the wind: it equals wind speed × 60 ÷ TAS, expressed as degrees. The clock-code shortcut converts the wind angle relative to track into a fraction of max drift (60° = full, 45° = three-quarters, 30° = half) and applies it as the wind correction angle.
What is the "gate" in a holding pattern?
The gate is a colloquial term for the QDR where an aircraft finds itself at the end of a holding pattern. For a 1 minute hold in a light aircraft, it is typically 30 degrees offset from the inbound QDR. It is used to judge spacing outbound. If you hit this QDR before the outbound time, it suggests you may be tight. If you hit the time before the gate, it suggests you may be wide. It can be used to correct tight spacing or anticipate an intercept when wide. The same 30° offset QDR is also the heading flown during a sector 2 (offset/teardrop) hold entry from the fix.
How do you correct an overshoot on the hold inbound turn?
Monitor the inbound turn. By knowing what needle position or CDI deflection to expect at 90, 60, 30 degrees to go you can anticipate an undershoot or overshoot and either roll wings level if undershooting or continue the turn through the inbound track to reintercept if overshooting.