7.holding-pattern-entry-types. Holding Pattern Entry Procedures
A holding pattern is a racetrack-shaped maneuver used to delay an aircraft already in flight while keeping it within a protected block of airspace. The standard holding pattern uses right turns and consists of two 180° turns connected by two straight legs. The inbound leg is flown for 1 minute at or below 14,000 ft MSL and 1.5 minutes above 14,000 ft MSL (timing begins abeam the fix or, if abeam cannot be determined, when the turn to outbound is complete). When ATC issues a nonstandard pattern, left turns are specified in the clearance.
The FAA recognizes three methods of entering a holding pattern, as depicted in the AIM and FAA-H-8083-15B. The appropriate entry is determined by the aircraft's magnetic heading relative to the holding course as it crosses the holding fix. Visualize a line drawn through the fix perpendicular to the inbound holding course, offset 70° from the inbound course on the holding side. This line divides the area around the fix into three sectors:
- Sector (a) — Parallel Entry (70° sector on the non-holding side)
- Sector (b) — Teardrop Entry (110° sector on the holding side)
- Sector (c) — Direct Entry (180° sector covering everything else)
A simple shortcut for a standard (right-turn) pattern: visualize the holding course on the heading indicator. Draw a 70° line from the tail of the course pointer. Where your aircraft's current heading falls determines the entry. For nonstandard (left-turn) patterns, the sectors are mirror-imaged.
Direct Entry. When arriving from sector (c), simply cross the fix and turn in the direction of the holding pattern to fly the outbound leg. This is the most common and simplest entry. Begin timing when wings level outbound, or abeam the fix, whichever occurs later.
Parallel Entry. When arriving from sector (a), cross the fix, turn to a heading parallel to the holding course outbound on the non-holding side, and fly outbound for 1 minute (or 1.5 minutes above 14,000 ft). Then turn in the direction of the holding side through more than 180° to intercept the inbound course or return directly to the fix.
Teardrop Entry. When arriving from sector (b), cross the fix and turn outbound to a heading 30° offset from the outbound course on the holding side. Fly that heading for 1 minute (or 1.5 minutes above 14,000 ft), then turn in the direction of the holding pattern to intercept the inbound course.
Heading within 5° of a sector boundary. Either of the two adjacent entries may be used; pilot's discretion. Choose whichever is easier to fly and remains within protected airspace.
Wind Correction. The holding pattern is intended to keep the aircraft within protected airspace. Both drift and timing must be compensated. Triple the outbound wind correction angle to offset drift during the turns, and adjust the outbound leg time so the inbound leg comes out to the standard 1 minute (1.5 above 14,000). For example, if the inbound leg takes 1:15 with a headwind, shorten the outbound leg to roughly 45 seconds the next circuit.
Speed Limits. Per the AIM, maximum holding airspeeds are:
- MHA through 6,000 ft MSL: 200 KIAS
- 6,001 through 14,000 ft MSL: 230 KIAS
- 14,001 ft MSL and above: 265 KIAS
A few exceptions exist (e.g., USAF holding at 310 KIAS, certain civil airports at 175 KIAS). Begin slowing to holding speed within 3 minutes of the holding fix.
Holding Clearance Elements. When ATC issues a holding clearance, the controller will state:
- Direction of holding from the fix (N, NE, E, SE, etc.)
- Holding fix
- Radial, course, bearing, airway, or route on which to hold
- Leg length in miles if DME or RNAV is used
- Direction of turns if nonstandard (left turns)
- Expect Further Clearance (EFC) time
Upon receiving the clearance, the pilot should read it back, set up navigation, slow to holding airspeed within 3 minutes of the fix, plan the entry, and report "entering holding" with time and altitude when crossing the fix. Lost-comm planning relies on the EFC time: if two-way radio communication is lost, depart the holding fix at the EFC.
Example. Cleared to hold east of ABC VOR on the 090 radial, right turns, leg one minute, EFC 1530Z. Inbound course is 270°. The 70° dividing line runs from a heading of 200° (270 − 70) through 020° on the opposite side. An aircraft inbound on a heading of 360° (north) falls in sector (a) — a parallel entry. A heading of 120° puts the aircraft in sector (b) — a teardrop. A heading of 250° lies in sector (c) — a direct entry.