Understanding Holding Patterns: A Pilot’s Guide

What is a holding pattern?

A holding pattern is a racetrack pattern that allows an aircraft to hold over a fix or waypoint. This is often due to ATC instructions, spacing restrictions, altitude restrictions, or a missed approach procedure. The aircraft flies an inbound leg to the fix and then turns to fly an outbound leg before rejoining the inbound course again.

Holding patterns may be part of a published hold on an instrument approach chart or unpublished and assigned by Air Traffic Control (ATC) as a holding clearance.

Holding Pattern Terms

• Abeam: The point on the aircraft’s track that is directly 90 degrees to the side of the holding fix (like being directly beside it).
• Fix: A specific GPS point or navigation aid (like a VOR or intersection) where the aircraft begins or anchors the holding pattern.
• Reciprocal: The opposite direction of a course or heading (180 degrees difference). For example, if inbound is 090°, the reciprocal outbound is 270°.
• Holding Side: The side of the fix where the aircraft flies the racetrack pattern. This is the protected airspace for holding.
• Non-Holding Side: The opposite side of the fix, used temporarily during entries (like parallel or teardrop) before turning back to the holding side.
• Outbound End: The point in the pattern farthest from the fix, where the pilot turns back toward the fix to fly the inbound leg.
• Fix End: The part of the holding pattern where the aircraft crosses or returns to the fix to start the next circuit.
• Holding Course: The heading flown on the inbound leg toward the fix (often aligned with the final approach course or airway).
• Holding Clearance: An official instruction issued by ATC directing a pilot to enter and remain in a holding pattern at a specific location (called a fix), altitude, and airspeed. It includes details like the direction of turns (right or left), the holding fix, the radial or course to fly, and sometimes expected further clearance time.

Types of Entries: How to Enter a Holding Pattern

There are three standard types of holding pattern entries:

• Direct Entry – Used when you’re coming straight at the holding fix from the front. You fly directly to the fix and then turn into the holding pattern.
• Parallel Entry – Used when you’re coming from the opposite side. You fly to the fix, turn parallel to the holding course on the outbound leg, and then circle back to join the pattern.
• Teardrop Entry – Also called Offset Entry and used when approaching at an angle. You fly to the fix, make a 30-degree turn away from the pattern, and then turn back in to intercept the holding course.

These entries are based on the aircraft’s direction of approach relative to the fix, meaning your aircraft’s heading relative to the fix determines whether you should use a direct, parallel, or teardrop entry. The AIM offers detailed diagrams and examples to aid in understanding which entry to choose. While this determination can be done visually or with a calculator or chart, pilots are expected to be proficient in recognizing the correct method quickly. This is especially true during a flight test or in real-world conditions.

Standard vs. Non-Standard Patterns

Right turns are used in standard holding patterns. However, ATC instructions or charts may specify left turns, which designates a non-standard pattern. The turn direction is important for both safety and ensuring the aircraft remains within protected airspace.

Timing and Wind Correction

Each leg of the pattern, particularly the outbound leg, is flown for a set time, typically 1 minute below 14,000 feet and 1.5 minutes above. However, wind correction angle must be applied to maintain accurate position, requiring pilots to adjust timing and heading based on wind direction and speed. Pattern timing is critical in maintaining position within the holding pattern.

VFR vs. IFR Holding

While holding patterns are primarily associated with Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations, VFR pilots may also practice them during training to build situational awareness and prepare for future instrument rating operations. All Epic pilots receive training in holding patterns.

When are holding patterns used?

Holding is used for many scenarios, including:

• Traffic delays and stacking aircraft near congested airports
• Missed approach procedures
• Lost communications
• Navigational reorientation
• Emergency procedures
• Weather situations

Epic instructors emphasize the importance of following the rule: adhere to ATC instructions exactly and understand what the FAA expects. Pilots should refer to the Aeronautical Information Manual, Section 5-3-7, for comprehensive procedures.

NAVAIDS Used in Holding Patterns

What does a NAVAID do in a holding pattern? Its use is critical, because it serves as the anchor point (holding fix) for the aircraft’s holding pattern. Pilots rely on these NAVAIDS:

Speed Restrictions

Aircraft hold at the following altitudes and corresponding maximum holding indicated airspeeds:

Holding Pattern Practice and Simulator Use

Modern flight simulators allow pilots to practice holding without risk of accident or deviation. Epic pilots practice holding along with takeoffs, landings, and all types of maneuvers in our flight simulators. Simulated training can reinforce how to:

• Read and interpret chart depictions
• Apply correct entry procedures
• Maintain pattern length and spacing
• Execute holding clearance instructions under time pressure

This practice is invaluable when preparing for the checkride or handling complex instrument approach environments. Flight simulators build skills, knowledge, and confidence.

Accident Avoidance

We can learn a lot from aviation accidents related to holding patterns. These have typically been caused by a combination of factors, including fuel mismanagement, miscommunication, and environmental conditions. A holding pattern in normal situations is a standard and safe procedure. However, when combined with other issues, such as poor weather, controller or crew errors, or the prolonged circling necessary for a holding pattern, they can contribute to accidents.

Factors That Contribute to Holding Pattern Accidents

• Fuel Mismanagement: A plane can run out of fuel while holding, especially if the crew fails to clearly declare a fuel emergency to ATC.
• Communication Errors: Miscommunication between the cockpit and ATC can lead to misinterpretation of instructions or a failure to recognize a critical situation.
• Weather Conditions: Severe weather can cause initial holds and then compound problems by affecting the pilots’ focus or creating hazards like windshear during subsequent landing attempts.
• Crew Errors: Crew members can become preoccupied with other problems or distractions. This can lead to a failure to monitor fuel levels or take appropriate action.
• Controller Errors: Air traffic controllers have made mistakes, such as giving incorrect instructions or failing to provide sufficient information about the holding pattern.

Accidents Related to Holding Patterns

Pilots must focus on flying holding patterns with precision. This helps to ensure safety, avoid conflicts with other aircraft, and remain within protected airspace.