7.holding-patterns. Holding Patterns
A holding pattern is a predetermined maneuver that keeps an aircraft within a specified airspace while awaiting further clearance from ATC. Holds are commonly assigned for traffic sequencing, weather delays, lost communications procedures, course reversal at an Initial Approach Fix (IAF), or to allow time to brief an approach. The standard holding pattern is a racetrack consisting of two 180° turns and two straight legs, flown to the right unless ATC specifies a nonstandard (left turn) hold or it is depicted as nonstandard on a chart.
Standard Holding Pattern Components
- Holding fix: A NAVAID, fix, intersection, waypoint, or DME distance that anchors the pattern.
- Inbound leg: Flown toward the fix on the assigned holding course.
- Outbound leg: Flown parallel to and opposite the inbound course.
- Turns: Standard rate (3°/sec), 30° bank, or 25° bank using flight director — whichever is least.
- Leg timing: 1 minute inbound at or below 14,000 ft MSL; 1.5 minutes inbound above 14,000 ft MSL. DME/GPS holds use distance instead of time.
Maximum Holding Speeds (14 CFR / AIM 5-3-8)
- Up to 6,000 ft MSL: 200 KIAS
- 6,001 – 14,000 ft MSL: 230 KIAS
- 14,001 ft MSL and above: 265 KIAS
- USAF airfields: 310 KIAS up to FL 140
- USN airfields: 230 KIAS
Reduce to holding speed within 3 minutes of the ETA at the fix.
Holding Clearance Elements
When ATC issues a hold not depicted on a chart, expect five items, in order:
- Direction of holding from the fix (compass point: N, NE, E, etc.)
- Holding fix
- Radial, course, bearing, airway, or route on which to hold
- Leg length in miles if DME or GPS is to be used
- Direction of turns if left (nonstandard) or when ATC considers it necessary
- Expect Further Clearance (EFC) time
Example: "Cessna 12X, hold east of ABC VOR on the 090 radial, left turns, maintain 5,000, expect further clearance at 1545."
Standard Entry Procedures
Upon initial arrival at the fix, the pilot must determine the proper entry. Visualize the holding pattern relative to aircraft heading, then divide the area around the fix into three sectors using a line drawn through the fix at 70° from the holding course (for standard right-turn holds):
- Direct entry: Heading falls within 180° of the holding course (the largest sector). Cross the fix and turn to follow the outbound leg.
- Parallel entry: Heading falls within 110° on the holding side. Cross the fix, turn to parallel the inbound course outbound for 1 minute, turn left more than 180° to intercept the inbound course or return direct to the fix.
- Teardrop entry: Heading falls within 70° on the nonholding side. Cross the fix, turn to a heading 30° from the holding course on the holding side, fly 1 minute, then turn in the holding direction to intercept the inbound course.
A ±5° tolerance applies when an entry heading falls near a sector boundary.
Wind Correction Timing
Leg timing begins abeam the fix outbound (when wings are level after rolling out, if abeam cannot be determined). The objective is a 1-minute inbound leg. After the first inbound time, adjust the outbound leg to compensate for wind:
- If inbound is short (e.g., 50 sec), extend outbound (about 70 sec next time).
- If inbound is long (e.g., 70 sec), shorten outbound.
Also apply a wind correction angle (WCA) outbound that is roughly triple the inbound WCA to remain on the protected side of the pattern.
Lost Communications and EFC
Under lost-comm IFR (14 CFR 91.185), depart the holding fix at the EFC time. Always read back the EFC time. If no EFC is issued, request one — it is the pilot's only timing reference if radios fail.
DME / GPS Holds
In lieu of time, ATC specifies a leg length in nautical miles (e.g., "hold east on the 090 radial, 10-mile legs"). The outbound leg ends when the aircraft reaches the specified DME or GPS distance. GPS-overlay holds use the same entry logic, and most modern navigators automatically annunciate, sequence, and time the hold.
Reporting Requirements
Report entering and leaving any holding fix or holding point (AIM 5-3-3). When cleared for the approach from a hold, fly the pattern as published until established on the approach course unless ATC specifies otherwise.