ENR 1.5 HOLDING, APPROACH AND DEPARTURE PROCEDURES
1. GENERAL
1.1 The holding, approach and departure procedures in use are based on those contained in the latest edition of ICAO Doc 8168 — Procedures for Air Navigation Services — Aircraft Operations (PANS-OPS).
1.2 The holding and approach procedures in use have been based on the values and factors contained in Parts III and IV of Vol. I of the PANS-OPS. The holding patterns shall be entered and flown as indicated on the relevant chart.
1.3 Minimum Holding Altitudes (MHA), maximum holding levels and holding speed restrictions are indicated on the relevant chart. Aircraft wishing to hold at higher levels or speeds require clearance to do so from the relevant ATC unit.
2. ARRIVING FLIGHTS
2.1 IFR flights entering a TMA or CTR for landing will be cleared to a specified holding point at a specified level by the ACC. This clearance will be adhered to until further instructions are received. At the specified time, position or level, control of flights shall be transferred to the relevant APP unit that will issue further instructions. If the clearance limit is reached before further instructions have been received, the published holding procedure will be carried out, at the last assigned level, until clearance to commence an approach is issued. Normally, an EAT will be given with the initial clearance if holding is anticipated. If no holding procedure is published, the standard en route holding procedure will be flown, inbound on the published airway centerline, right turns, timing and level as appropriate.
2.2 Due to the limited airspace available, it is essential that approaches to and flying of holding patterns are conducted as precisely as possible, according to published procedures. If, for any reason, pilots are unable to comply with this requirement, they will notify ATC immediately and request an alternative clearance, to ensure that airspace protected by the holding area is not infringed.
2.3 Instrument approach procedures for MUSCAT / Muscat International Airport and for Salalah are depicted in section AD 2.OOMS and AD 2.OOSA respectively.
3. DEPARTING FLIGHTS
3.1 IFR flights departing from controlled aerodromes will receive initial ATC clearance from the local aerodrome control tower together with any additional instructions necessary due to local traffic conditions and/or procedures in force. The clearance limit will normally be the aerodrome of destination. For flights leaving CAS, this will not be taken to imply the provision of a control service beyond the relevant CAS boundary; neither does it relieve the aircraft commander of the responsibility for obtaining the necessary clearance prior to reentering that or any other CAS.
3.2 IFR flights departing uncontrolled ADs will either:
3.2.1 Obtain ATC Clearance from Muscat Control via the ATSU at the departure AD when one is established; or
3.2.2 Obtain traffic information from FIC or Muscat Control prior to entering CAS and if the flight is planned to enter CAS, obtain the necessary clearance, prior to entry from the ACC or;
3.2.3 If Clearance has not been received from Muscat Control shall:
a) remain outside CAS until clearance is obtained;
b) comply with VFR; or
c) where VFR cannot be maintained, comply with IFR and climb to the lowest usable IFR cruising level applicable for the area or route;
d) operate the pressure-altitude reporting SSR transponder on code 2000;
e) Continue to attempt to contact Muscat Control for further clearance.