Holding Patterns: Entries, Timing, Wind Correction
Key facts on standard holds, clearance decoding, the three entries, and timing adjustments.
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Questions Covered in This Set
12 cards to master
What defines a standard holding pattern?
Right-hand turns: inbound course to the fix, cross the fix, turn right 180°, fly outbound, turn right 180°, re-intercept inbound.
Standard timed leg lengths in a hold
1 minute inbound at or below 14,000 ft MSL; 1.5 minutes above 14,000 ft (or DME/GPS distance if specified).
List the six items of a holding clearance in order
1) Direction from fix, 2) Fix name, 3) Radial/course/bearing/airway/route, 4) Leg length in miles (DME/RNAV), 5) Direction of turns (only if left), 6) EFC time.
Hold southwest of BOSCO on the 220 radial — what is your inbound course?
040° — the inbound is the reciprocal of the radial, since the radial is measured FROM the station.
Describe a direct entry
Covers ~180° of arc: cross the fix and turn to the outbound heading. Most common and simplest.
Describe a parallel entry
Covers ~110°: cross the fix, turn to parallel the outbound course on the holding side, fly 1 minute, then turn more than 180° toward the holding side to intercept inbound or return direct to the fix.
Describe a teardrop entry
Covers ~70°: cross the fix, turn 30° off the outbound course on the holding side, fly 1 minute, then turn in the holding direction to intercept inbound.
When do you start timing the outbound and inbound legs?
Outbound: when abeam the fix (or wings level outbound if no abeam indication). Inbound: when wings level on the inbound course until crossing the fix.
Wind correction rule of thumb for leg timing
Outbound time = 60 − (inbound time − 60). If inbound took 1:15, fly outbound about 45 seconds.
Are the three recommended entries mandatory?
No — they are recommended. The requirement is to remain within protected airspace; get established rather than agonizing over the choice.
What is the EFC time used for?
Expect Further Clearance — the time you leave the hold if you lose communications.
Why does a typical hold take about 4 minutes?
Standard-rate turns (3°/sec) make each 180° turn take ~1 minute: 1 min inbound + 1 min turn + 1 min outbound + 1 min turn.
