ATC issues holding clearances in four standard formats. Each format tells you something different about the hold you will enter and where the holding pattern is defined.

The standard holding clearance is the most common form you will encounter. ATC specifies a fix, a direction (relative to the fix), and a navigation track or course to hold on. The direction is always given as one of eight compass points: NORTH, SOUTH, EAST, WEST, NORTHEAST, NORTHWEST, SOUTHEAST, or SOUTHWEST.

The inbound track (the track you fly toward the fix) is given as a radial, a course, or an inbound track. When the holding pattern is flown at a radio aid (VOR, NDB, or TACAN), the track is usually expressed as a radial. On a standard holding pattern, the turns are always to the RIGHT when you complete each holding leg.