Holding Procedures

Question 1

What bank angle are holding turns made at

Answer 1

25° or 3° per second, whichever requires the lesser bank

Question 2

What is the limiting Radial and where is it located

Answer 2

The VOR radial marking the start of the inbound leg. It defines the outer boundary of a holding pattern, preventing aircraft from straying too far while holding

Limiting Radial is at the end of outbound leg

Question 3

What’s the standard direction of turns in a hold

Answer 3

Right turns
If it’s left, the chart/ATC will say so explicitly

Question 4

What’s the standard holding procedure leg time

Answer 4

Below 14,000 ft: 1-minute inbound

At/Above 14,000 ft: 1.5-minutes inbound

Or DME-based, if published

Question 5

In a holding pattern, which leg is adjusted to compensate for wind, and how

Answer 5

The outbound leg is adjusted: it is made longer or shorter so that the inbound leg arrives over the fix at the correct time and heading, compensating for wind drift

Question 6

What’s the standard entry speed limit for a holding procedure

Answer 6

All Indicated airspeeds - KIAS

Up to and including 14,000 ft:
Normal conditions:
230kts / 170kts (CAT A/B)
Turbulent conditions:
280kts / 170kts (CAT A/B)

14,001–20,000 ft:
Normal conditions:
240kts
Turbulent conditions:
280kts/0.8 Mach - the lesser of, and only with clearance from ATC / on published charts

20,001–34,000 ft:
Normal conditions:
265kts
Turbulent conditions:
280kts/0.8 Mach

FL340 and above:
Normal and Turbulent conditions:
0.83 Mach

Question 7

What are the 3 sector entries into the hold

Answer 7

Parallel: 110° - sector 1

Teardrop/Offset: 70° - sector 2

Direct: 180° - sector 3

Question 8

How is each holding entry flown

Answer 8

Parallel Entry:
1. Cross the fix, fly the outbound heading, parallel to the inbound course for 1 minute
2. Turn into the holding pattern to intercept inbound track/return direct to fix
3. On second arrival over fix, turn to comply with hold

Offset Entry:
1. On reaching fix, Turn outbound to a heading 30° off the outbound course, toward the holding side
2. Fly that heading 1 minute, then turn back to intercept the inbound course

Direct Entry:
1. Cross the fix, turn onto the outbound heading
2. Start the outbound timer when wings level

DME Arc Entry:
Upon reaching the fix, enter pattern in accordance with sector 1/3 entry procedure

Question 9

What are the obstacle clearance values beyond the holding boundary

Answer 9

0-1nm: 984ft (300m)

1-2nm: 492ft (150m)

2-3nm: 394ft (120m)

3-4nm: 295ft (90m)

4–5nm: 197ft (60m)

Question 10

What is a landing interval

What determines the landing interval

Answer 10

The minimum time required between landing IFR flights

Runway length/width, aircraft types, approach types, aids available, weather

Question 11

What is the EAT

When is an EAT issued

Answer 11

The time you must be overhead a facility ready to start the approach

When delay is expected before commencing the approach

Question 12

What is an Onward Clearance Time

Answer 12

The estimated time when ATC expects an aircraft, currently in a holding pattern, to leave a specified fix and proceed with its approach for landing

Also referred to as:
Expected Approach Time (EAT)
Expected Further Clearance (EFC)
Time Clearance void time (specifically for departure)

Question 13

If instructed to leave a holding pattern at a specified time, what should the pilot do

Answer 13

Adjust the holding pattern within published limits to ensure departure at the specified time

Question 14

When approaching a holding fix to enter a holding pattern, what is the allowable “zone of flexibility” on either side of the sector boundaries

Answer 14

A 5° buffer zone exists on each side of the sector boundaries