IFR Holding Procedures 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the standard turn direction in a holding pattern?
- Left turns
- Right turns (Correct answer)
- Either direction as published
- Determined by the pilot in command
Correct answer: Right turns
Standard holding patterns use right turns unless the procedure specifies otherwise.
Question 2: What are the three types of holding pattern entries recognized by the FAA?
- Direct, Parallel, and Teardrop (Correct answer)
- Straight-in, Circling, and Overhead
- Left, Right, and Straight
- Initial, Intermediate, and Final
Correct 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.
Question 3: How long is the inbound leg of a holding pattern when flying at or below 14,000 feet MSL?
- 30 seconds
- 1 minute (Correct answer)
- 1.5 minutes
- 2 minutes
Correct answer: 1 minute
At or below 14,000 feet MSL, the inbound leg of a standard holding pattern is 1 minute in duration.
Question 4: What does the abbreviation EFC stand for in IFR holding operations?
- Expected Further Clearance (Correct answer)
- Estimated Flight Continuation
- En-route Flight Control
- Emergency Fuel Calculation
Correct 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.
Question 5: What is the maximum holding airspeed for aircraft at or below 6,000 feet MSL?
- 175 knots
- 200 knots (Correct answer)
- 210 knots
- 230 knots
Correct answer: 200 knots
The FAA specifies a maximum holding airspeed of 200 knots indicated airspeed at or below 6,000 feet MSL.
Question 6: When flying a holding pattern above 14,000 feet MSL, what is the standard inbound leg timing?
- 1 minute
- 1.5 minutes (Correct answer)
- 2 minutes
- 2.5 minutes
Correct 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.
Question 7: On which side of the inbound holding course does a standard holding pattern exist?
- Left side
- Right side (Correct answer)
- Either side depending on winds
- Either side as charted
Correct 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.
IFR Holding Procedures 1
What is the standard turn direction in a holding pattern?