Understanding Holding Patterns – What They Are

This aerial maneuver encompasses four essential components:

Holding patterns have a clear purpose: creating controlled delays in an aircraft’s journey. Air traffic controllers direct pilots into these patterns for numerous operational reasons:

  • Managing airspace congestion and traffic flow

  • Creating spacing between aircraft approaching busy airports

  • Waiting for adverse weather conditions to improve

  • Serving as the published termination of a missed approach procedure

  • Providing time for pilots to handle abnormal or emergency situations

  • Accommodating any situation requiring a deliberate pause in flight progress

Aircraft executing holding patterns remain safely within this designated protected airspace, ensuring separation from other traffic and obstacles. Picture it as an aerial waiting room where aircraft circle safely until cleared to continue.

Interestingly, while “holding pattern” originated in aviation, it has found its way into everyday language to describe situations where progress temporarily pauses while awaiting developments.

Types of Holding Patterns – Standard vs Non-Standard

Holding patterns fall into two distinct categories: standard and non-standard. Understanding these differences is essential for pilots to correctly execute ATC instructions and maintain proper airspace positioning.

| Feature | Standard Pattern | Non-Standard Pattern |
| :— | :— | :— |
| Turns | Right-hand turns | Left-hand turns |
| Timing | Standard timing (e.g., 1 min inbound below 14,000 ft) | May use different timing parameters as assigned by ATC |

Unless ATC explicitly clears a non-standard pattern, pilots must execute right-hand turns. This ensures predictability and safety in congested airspace.

The selection between these patterns depends on several factors: airspace constraints, traffic flow patterns, and terrain avoidance requirements.

Direct Entry – The Simplest Method

Pilots employ this method when approaching the holding fix at angles less than 70 degrees relative to the inbound holding course.

To execute a direct entry:

  1. Fly directly to the holding fix

  2. Cross the fix

  3. Turn immediately to the outbound heading (in the appropriate direction based on whether it’s a standard or non-standard hold)

  4. Fly the outbound leg for the appropriate time (typically one minute below 14,000 feet)

  5. Complete the turn to intercept the inbound course

The main advantage of direct entry is its simplicity. No additional maneuvering or complex calculations are required—you simply fly to the fix and commence the holding pattern.

This method requires minimal maneuvering, making it the most efficient and safest option when the approach angle allows.

Parallel Entry – Navigating Outbound

Pilots utilize the parallel entry method when approaching the holding fix from sectors that make direct entry unsuitable. Typically, this occurs when your approach course falls between 70 and 180 degrees from the inbound holding course.

To execute a parallel entry:

  1. Fly to the holding fix

  2. Upon reaching the fix, turn to a heading that parallels the outbound course on the non-holding side

  3. Maintain this parallel course for one minute

  4. Then make a turn in the direction of the holding pattern through more than 180 degrees

  5. Return to the holding fix or intercept the inbound holding course

This entry creates a flight path that runs parallel to the holding pattern before joining it. This method ensures you remain within protected airspace while maneuvering to join the pattern from angles that would make direct entry unsafe or inefficient.

Teardrop Entry – A Unique Approach

The teardrop entry is a specific technique employed when aircraft approach from specific sectors—typically between 180 and 290 degrees relative to the inbound holding course.

To execute a teardrop entry:

  1. Cross the holding fix

  2. Turn outbound to a heading that creates a 30-degree angle from the outbound course toward the holding side (protected side)

  3. Maintain this heading for approximately one minute

  4. Then make a turn in the direction of the holding pattern to intercept the inbound holding course

The teardrop entry creates a flight path that looks like a teardrop from above. This method ensures you remain within protected airspace while efficiently joining the pattern from challenging approach angles.

This entry shares similarities with course reversal techniques found in certain instrument procedures, known as teardrop procedures or penetration turns.

While modern avionics may provide GPS guidance for this entry, understanding the manual technique remains essential for all pilots.

Timing and Distance in Holding Patterns – Key Considerations

Precise timing forms the foundation of holding patterns and varies based on altitude:

The inbound leg timing isn’t fixed—it’s adjusted as needed to ensure the entire holding pattern circuit meets required time intervals.

For enhanced precision, Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) can be utilized when available. DME enables distance-based holds rather than time-based ones, providing superior accuracy in maintaining holding pattern dimensions.

Following these parameters closely is critical for ensuring aircraft remain within the pattern’s protected airspace, maintaining separation from terrain, obstacles, and other aircraft.

Wind Correction Techniques – Maintaining Accuracy

Wind creates significant challenges during holding pattern execution, requiring pilots to use correction techniques to stay on course. During the pattern, wind constantly tries to push the aircraft off track, which can cause drift outside protected airspace.

The primary method for countering wind effects involves applying appropriate heading corrections during both inbound and outbound legs. On the inbound leg, you’ll establish a wind correction angle (WPA) or ‘crab’ into the wind to maintain the published course.

The outbound leg demands similar attention but with a crucial distinction: larger correction angles are typically needed for outbound legs under identical wind conditions. This occurs because your ground speed changes relative to wind direction.

Turn anticipation represents another critical wind correction technique. With strong crosswinds, you may need to begin turns earlier or later than standard to avoid overshooting or undershooting your intended track.

Timing adjustments form an essential component of wind correction strategy. With headwinds on the inbound leg (creating tailwinds outbound), you’ll need to shorten outbound leg timing to compensate for increased ground speed outbound.

The goal is flying a predictable, repeatable pattern that keeps aircraft within protected airspace boundaries.

ATC Instructions for Holding Patterns – What to Expect

When Air Traffic Control (ATC) directs you to enter a holding pattern, you’ll receive specific instructions that must be carefully noted and followed. Understanding these instructions is crucial for maintaining proper aircraft separation and navigating safely within designated airspace.

A standard ATC holding clearance includes several key elements:

  • Holding Fix: The navigational point to hold over (e.g., VOR, waypoint).

  • Direction: The direction to hold from the fix (e.g., “hold north”).

  • Course: The inbound course to follow back to the fix (e.g., a radial or bearing).

  • Turns: The direction of turns (e.g., left or right). If unspecified, standard right turns are required.

  • Leg Length: The duration (time) or length (DME distance) of the outbound leg.

  • Expect Further Clearance (EFC): The time you can expect to receive new instructions, which is critical for fuel planning and lost communication procedures.

When receiving holding instructions, read back the complete clearance to confirm your understanding. If any aspect of the instructions remains unclear, request clarification immediately.