Position reporting

[Amish RakeFight]

When in radar contact and cleared to a holding fix for some practice holds, am I required to report a time and altitude to ATC when established? I was told today that I didn't have to when in radar contact, but I am pretty sure I do.

Thanks

Normally, when in a RADAR environment and practicing approaches and holds such as on the MAP, the controller will tell you whether they need you to report entering or beign established. Sometimes they just want a call when you're ready to depart the hold. Since practice approaches and holds are very often done under VFR, you are required to maintain VFR at all times and the controller will usually state this. Remember, if you're not on an IFR flight plan, you do not necessarily need to report time in and out of the hold.

Under IFR or when on an IFR flight plan, the following constitute the required reports. Since the regs. have been provide in full, here's my shorthand version.


AT ALL TIMES:
HOLD
NAV/COMM

MAP
ALT
500

TAS
WEATHER
SAFETY



NON-RADAR:
FAF
OM
3 ETA

 

[Amish RakeFight]

AT ALL TIMES:
HOLD
NAV/COMM

MAP
ALT
500

TAS
WEATHER
SAFETY



NON-RADAR:
FAF
OM
3 ETA

Just to clarify this, I have this memorized into a sort of logical story. It works best when you can recall what each one means in a regulatory fashion. From there, just think of this shorthand.

HOLD your NAV/COMM

the MAP ALT is 500'

TAS WEATHER SAFETY (nothing for TAS, but think of WEATHER SAFETY since weather can affect your safety.)



This probably all sounds silly, but it works for me!