Holding Patterns

The holding pattern is a delaying maneuver around a fixed point (station or waypoint). It is one of the most demanding procedures in terms of mental calculation.

Pattern Geometry

A standard holding pattern consists of:

1. Outbound leg: 1 minute below FL140, 1 min 30 above
2. Right turn of 180° (standard = 1 minute at rate 1)
3. Inbound leg: return toward the holding fix
4. Right turn of 180° over the fix

Left-hand pattern: Some patterns require left turns (specified on the chart).

Pattern Entry

The entry depends on the sector of arrival relative to the holding axis. There are three types:

Direct Entry (Sector 1)

If you arrive from the pattern side (sector ≈ 180° on the inbound side):

1. Overfly the holding fix
2. Proceed directly onto the outbound leg
3. Continue the pattern normally

Parallel Entry (Sector 2)

If you arrive parallel to the outbound leg (sector ≈ 110° on the opposite outbound side):

1. Overfly the holding fix
2. Fly a heading parallel to the outbound leg but on the opposite side of the pattern
3. After 1 minute, turn to rejoin the holding fix
4. Resume the pattern normally

Teardrop Entry (Sector 3)

If you arrive from the remaining sector (≈ 70°):

1. Overfly the holding fix
2. Fly a heading offset 30° from the outbound leg (toward the pattern side)
3. After 1 minute, turn to intercept the inbound leg
4. Resume the pattern normally

Wind Correction in Holding

Wind affects the holding pattern in two ways:

Effect on Legs

• Inbound leg: Wind lengthens or shortens the time
• Outbound leg: Adjust so that the inbound leg is exactly 1 minute

Rule: If the inbound leg takes 50 seconds (10 s less), extend the outbound leg by 3 × 10 = 30 seconds on the next circuit.

Heading Correction

Apply drift correction:

• Inbound leg: Single correction (e.g., +5°)
• Outbound leg: Triple correction in the opposite direction (e.g., -15°)

In HOLD: Wind management in holding is a major scoring criterion. The simulator evaluates the accuracy of your inbound leg (target duration = 1 min).

Standard Parameters