Holding Procedures

A holding procedure is a predetermined racetrack-shaped pattern flown by aircraft to maintain position while awaiting further clearance. It is typically used during delays, traffic sequencing, approach procedures, or when weather or airspace congestion prevents immediate continuation of flight. Holding patterns are defined in instrument procedures, but can also be assigned by ATC dynamically.

• Maintain safe vertical and lateral separation when aircraft cannot proceed immediately
• Provide a buffer zone during arrival peaks or when approach delays occur
• Allow pilots to troubleshoot or coordinate before continuing flight
• Used during instrument approaches, emergency diversions, or airspace restrictions

• One fix or waypoint (usually a VOR, NDB, or RNAV point)
• Two legs:
  • Inbound leg toward the fix (usually 1 minute below 14,000 ft; 1.5 min above)
  • Outbound leg away from the fix (timed or distance-based)
• Turns: Standard (right-hand) unless otherwise specified
• Published on instrument charts with radial, direction, altitude, and speed

• Published Holding Pattern: Predefined in charts (e.g., STAR or missed approach)
• ATC-assigned Holding: Issued as tactical instruction in real-time
• Enroute Holding: Used in airway segments due to congestion or weather
• Arrival Holding: Often part of arrival sequencing near major airports

• “Hold over GOLDA at FL80, expect further clearance at 45.”
• “Enter the published holding pattern at WPT NUNRI, right turns, FL100.”
• “Continue holding, expect approach clearance in 10 minutes.”

Three standard entries depending on your inbound heading:

• Direct entry: Turn directly into holding pattern
• Parallel entry: Fly outbound leg, turn opposite direction, then rejoin
• Teardrop entry: Fly offset from fix, then turn back to intercept

The correct entry is chosen based on your bearing relative to the fix — ICAO or FAA rules may differ slightly.

Speeds are regulated to ensure pattern containment and safe separation.

• Not as formalized as IFR holds
• Often instructed as “orbit” or “hold over point X”
• Used at uncontrolled airfields or when waiting for entry into airspace

Example: “Hold over reporting point November at 2500 ft until cleared to enter CTR.”

Prolonged holding can be fuel-critical. Pilots must:

• ✅ Monitor remaining fuel
• ✅ Inform ATC if nearing minimum or emergency fuel
• ✅ Request alternate clearance if necessary

• ❌ “Hold short” ≠ “holding pattern” (the former refers to runway stops)
• ❌ Entering hold without clearance (except during missed approaches)
• ✅ Always read back holding instructions fully, including fix, altitude, direction, and EFC (expect further clearance) time