C1.8.6 STEP 6f — Holding Bays
Holding bays are designated positions intended to protect a runway, an obstacle limitation surface or an ILS/MLS critically sensitive area, where aircraft hold.
At runway ends a holding position allows queuing aircraft awaiting take-off to be re-ordered as determined by ATC. This optimised re-sequencing of aircraft (with airline approval) can assist in relieving climb and en-route ATC constraints. The holding position should be designed to accommodate two to four aircraft and allow sufficient space for one aircraft to bypass another. The area allotted for a waiting aircraft will depend on its size and manoeuvrability. Holding aircraft should be placed outside the bypass route so that the blast from the holding aircraft will not be directed toward the bypass route.
Whenever possible, runway end holding positions should be orientated to permit aircraft departing them to access the runway at an angle of less than 90. These runway access points can allow aircraft a rolling start to their take-off and thereby reduce runway occupancy time. For aircraft operating at or near maximum take-off weight, the entry point should be as close to the end of the runway as possible. Small and medium sized aircraft that do not require the full extent of the available runway's length may be permitted to access the runway at intermediate access points leading up to the runway end. This provides another means by which ATC can re-order departing aircraft. Such access points should also have intermediate holding positions with all the associated and required clearances.
Peak traffic volumes at many airports may exceed the capacity of a holding position, resulting in aircraft queuing on the taxiway leading to the runway end.