Basic Terms
What is a holding pattern?
A racetrack-shaped flight path used to delay aircraft or manage traffic.
What are the types of holding pattern entries?
Direct, parallel, and teardrop
When using distance instead of time for a holding pattern, what is the standard outbound leg length if a DME fix is available?
4 nautical miles.
If ATC assigns a "holding pattern as published," where do you find the details?
On the relevant chart (approach plate, en route chart, or STAR).
What are the primary purposes of a holding pattern?
To delay aircraft for sequencing, traffic management, or weather-related reasons.
For a teardrop entry, what is the standard offset angle?
30 degrees from the inbound course.
If your holding clearance specifies timing each leg, what is the default procedure?
Use a 1-minute inbound leg at or below 14,000 feet, or 1.5 minutes above 14,000 feet.
What is the proper readback format for a holding clearance?
Include the fix, direction, radial/course, altitude, leg length or timing, and EFC (if provided).
What is the standard turn direction in a holding pattern unless otherwise specified?
Right Turns
A parallel entry requires what action after crossing the holding fix?
Turn outbound on a heading parallel to the inbound course for one-minute, then make a 225 degree turn (while remaining in the protected side) to intercept the inbound course
You experience a 10-knot tailwind on the inbound leg, making it 45 seconds long. How should you adjust your outbound leg?
Extend it to 75 seconds
What should you do if you lose communication while in a hold?
Continue holding until the EFC time, then proceed as per the filed flight plan.
When deciding between a teardrop and parallel entry, and your position makes either one possible, what general rule can help you choose the most efficient entry?
Choose the entry that minimizes the number of turns required to establish yourself on the inbound course, as it simplifies workload and enhances precision.
What is a holding fix?
A specific point in space, such as a VOR, waypoint, or intersection, where a holding pattern begins.
You are cleared to "Hold southwest of the ABC VOR on the 225° radial, 1-minute legs, maintain 3,000 feet." What would your entry be if you're approaching on a 270° heading to the fix?
Parallel.
If the wind causes a drift of 10° on the inbound leg, what heading should you fly outbound?
Offset 30° in the opposite direction (triple the drift correction).
What does the "210" represent and at what altitudes does this impact?
Holding patterns from 6,001' to 14,000' may be restricted to a maximum airspeed of 210 KIAS
What does "protected airspace" mean in the context of a holding pattern?
The area around the holding fix where the aircraft can safely maneuver without conflicting with terrain or other traffic.
You are cleared to "Hold north of the ABC VOR on the 360° radial, left turns, 1-minute legs, maintain 6,000 feet." What would your entry be if your heading flying a 050° heading to the fix?
Teardrop
What are the maximum holding airspeeds? At what altitudes?
MHA - 6,000' = 200kts
6,001' - 14,000' = 230
14,001' and above = 265
If ATC assigns you to "hold east of the ABC VOR on the 090° radial at 15 DME, maintain 8,000 feet," what is the first step in flying the pattern?
Fly to the ABC VOR, intercept the 090° radial outbound to 15 DME, then begin the specified holding pattern with 8,000 feet as the maintained altitude