Entering a Holding Pattern (HOLD)

intermediate
📍 Route: HOLD AT LFPG⏱ ~4 minutes📊 6 steps

Set up a hold at a waypoint on the A320 MCDU. Learn where the HOLD page lives (under a lateral revision) and how to set the inbound course and insert it into the flight plan.

Start this scenario

Open the SimTuts A320 MCDU trainer and select “Entering a Holding Pattern (HOLD)” from the scenarios list to walk through it step-by-step on the simulated keypad.

Open trainer →

Step-by-step: Entering a Holding Pattern (HOLD)

  1. Enter a route. Type EGLL/LFPG into the scratchpad and press 1R.

    We will hold at LFPG (Paris CDG) — a realistic place to hold while waiting for the approach.

  2. Press F-PLN to open the flight plan.

    The HOLD function is reached from the flight plan, through a lateral revision on the waypoint you want to hold at.

  3. Open a lateral revision at LFPG. Press 3L — the LEFT line key next to LFPG.

    A LEFT line-select on a waypoint opens its LAT REV (lateral revision) page — the menu for departures, arrivals, new destination, airways, and holds.

  4. Select HOLD. Press 3L (the <HOLD prompt).

    The FMGS offers a default computed hold. You can fly it as-is or tailor the inbound course, turn direction, and leg length to match the chart or ATC instruction.

  5. Set the inbound course. Type 090 into the scratchpad and press 1L (INB CRS).

    INB CRS is the course flown TOWARD the holding fix on the inbound leg. With a right turn (the default), this defines the racetrack. Set it to the published holding course.

  6. Insert the hold into the flight plan. Press 6R INSERT*.

    INSERT enters the hold into the active flight plan — the FMGS will now fly the racetrack at LFPG. To leave a hold once established you use the IMM EXIT prompt (or a DIR TO), but inserting it correctly first is the skill this scenario builds.

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