Holding Procedures Flashcards

What is the standard turn direction in a holding pattern?

Answer: Right turns

Standard holding patterns use right turns unless the procedure specifies otherwise.

What are the three types of holding pattern entries recognized by the FAA?

Answer: Direct, Parallel, and Teardrop

The FAA recognizes Direct, Parallel, and Teardrop entries, each used based on the aircraft's heading relative to the holding course.

How long is the inbound leg of a holding pattern when flying at or below 14,000 feet MSL?

Answer: 1 minute

At or below 14,000 feet MSL, the inbound leg of a standard holding pattern is 1 minute in duration.

What does the abbreviation EFC stand for in IFR holding operations?

Answer: Expected Further Clearance

EFC stands for Expected Further Clearance, the time at which a pilot can expect ATC to issue a clearance to proceed beyond the holding fix.

What is the maximum holding airspeed for aircraft at or below 6,000 feet MSL?

Answer: 200 knots

The FAA specifies a maximum holding airspeed of 200 knots indicated airspeed at or below 6,000 feet MSL.

When flying a holding pattern above 14,000 feet MSL, what is the standard inbound leg timing?

Answer: 1.5 minutes

Above 14,000 feet MSL, the standard inbound leg is 1.5 minutes to accommodate higher true airspeeds and larger turning radii.

On which side of the inbound holding course does a standard holding pattern exist?

Answer: Right side

In a standard holding pattern, the racetrack pattern lies on the right side of the inbound holding course, consistent with right turns.

A parallel entry into a holding pattern is appropriate when the aircraft approaches from which sector?

Answer: Non-holding side, between 110 and 180 degrees from the inbound course

A parallel entry is used when the aircraft arrives from the non-holding side of the pattern, between 110 and 180 degrees from the inbound holding course.

What is the correct procedure for executing a teardrop entry into a holding pattern?

Answer: Fly to the fix, turn outbound at 30 degrees off the holding course on the non-holding side, then turn inbound

In a teardrop entry, the pilot flies to the fix, turns outbound at approximately 30 degrees into the non-holding side, then turns back to intercept the inbound course.

What is the maximum holding airspeed for aircraft operating between 6,001 and 14,000 feet MSL?

Answer: 230 knots

Between 6,001 and 14,000 feet MSL, the maximum holding airspeed is 230 knots indicated airspeed.

When must a pilot report entering a holding pattern to ATC?

Answer: When ATC has not informed the pilot that the aircraft is in radar contact

A pilot must report entering the holding pattern when not in radar contact, since ATC needs position information to manage traffic separation.

If a non-standard holding pattern is assigned by ATC, what is the primary difference from a standard pattern?

Answer: Left turns are used instead of right turns

Non-standard holding patterns use left turns, which is the defining characteristic that distinguishes them from standard right-turn holding patterns.

When ATC issues a holding clearance, which of the following elements is NOT required to be specified?

Answer: Expected approach type after holding

ATC is not required to specify the expected approach type when issuing a holding clearance — the clearance must include fix, direction, inbound course, and turn direction.

Which instrument is primarily used when a holding pattern specifies leg length in nautical miles rather than time?

Answer: DME (Distance Measuring Equipment)

When leg length is specified in miles rather than time, DME is used to define the outbound leg, keeping the pattern size consistent regardless of airspeed.

When ATC instructs a pilot to 'hold as published,' where should the pilot find the holding pattern details?

Answer: On the instrument approach procedure chart for that fix

'Hold as published' refers to the holding pattern depicted on the instrument approach procedure chart associated with that specific fix.

How should a pilot correct for wind drift during the outbound leg of a holding pattern?

Answer: Apply triple the wind correction angle used on the inbound leg

Pilots apply triple the inbound wind correction angle on the outbound leg to compensate for wind and keep the inbound course properly centered.

Under lost communications procedures per FAR 91.185, when should a pilot leave a holding fix if an EFC time was received before communications were lost?

Answer: At the EFC time that was received before communications were lost

FAR 91.185 states that under lost communications, a pilot should leave the holding fix at the EFC time received before contact was lost.

What is the primary advantage of an RNAV holding pattern compared to a conventional VOR-based hold?

Answer: The fix can be any database waypoint, not just a ground-based navaid

RNAV holding patterns can be defined at any waypoint in the navigation database, providing flexibility at locations without ground-based navaids.

A pilot in holding reaches a critical fuel state before the EFC time arrives. What is the correct course of action?

Answer: Notify ATC of the fuel state and request priority handling or an immediate clearance

When reaching a critical fuel state in holding, the pilot must immediately notify ATC and request priority handling, as proactive communication may resolve the situation before a full emergency declaration is necessary.

What is the maximum holding airspeed for civil turbine aircraft above 14,000 feet MSL?

Answer: 265 knots

Above 14,000 feet MSL, the maximum holding airspeed for civil turbine aircraft is 265 knots indicated airspeed.