Holding Patterns
A holding pattern is a racetrack-shaped course flown to remain over a fix while awaiting further clearance. You must pick the correct entry (direct, parallel, or teardrop), fly a standard (right-turn) or non-standard pattern, time the legs, and adjust the outbound leg and crab to correct for wind so the inbound leg tracks the holding course for about one minute.
Step by step
- 1As you approach the fix, identify the holding course, the holding side, and the turn direction (standard = right turns unless charted/assigned otherwise).
- 2Determine the entry by comparing your inbound heading to the holding course: direct, parallel, or teardrop (the ±70°/110° sectors).
- 3Cross the fix, start the appropriate entry, and begin timing/standard-rate turns.
- 4Fly the outbound leg, then turn inbound; time the inbound leg for 1 minute (1.5 minutes above 14,000 ft MSL).
- 5Adjust the outbound timing so the inbound leg comes out to about one minute, and apply a wind-correction angle (triple the inbound drift correction on the outbound) to hold the pattern.
- 6Re-cross the fix and continue holding (or report as required) until cleared.
Tips & common errors
- Entry rule of thumb: visualize the holding course on the heading indicator and read the 70°/110° sectors to pick direct/teardrop/parallel.
- Correct wind: on the inbound leg note the drift, then apply triple that correction on the outbound leg to keep the inbound on course and on time.
- Standard holds are right turns, 1-minute inbound legs at/below 14,000 ft MSL.
- Common error: a poor entry or letting wind blow the inbound leg off the holding course/time.
ACS completion standards
The commonly-tested tolerances for this maneuver. Always confirm the current ACS for your certificate.
- Use the correct entry and fly the appropriate holding pattern (standard/non-standard).
- Maintain altitude ±100 feet and airspeed ±10 knots; use proper timing and wind correction so the inbound leg tracks the course.
- Comply with holding instructions and report as required.
FAA source
FAA-S-ACS-8 (Instrument Rating ACS), Task: Holding Procedures; Instrument Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-15, Chapter 10; AIM 5-3-8.
This is an original, plain-English study summary grounded in the public-domain FAA Airman Certification Standards and FAA handbooks cited above. It is a study aid, not flight instruction, and not a substitute for the official ACS, the handbooks, your aircraft’s POH/AFM, or a certificated flight instructor.
Related maneuvers
- Attitude Instrument Flying & the Instrument ScanAttitude instrument flying is the foundation of all instrument flight: you control the airplane by interpreting the instruments instead of looking outside. You set an attitude on the attitude indicator (control), verify the result on the other instruments (performance), and trim. A disciplined cross-check (scan) prevents fixation and keeps every parameter in tolerance.
- Constant-Airspeed Climbs & DescentsOn instruments you frequently change altitude at a constant airspeed. You set a pitch and power for the desired airspeed, hold it with the scan, and lead the level-off so you roll out exactly on the new altitude and back at cruise airspeed.
- Rate Climbs & Descents (Constant Vertical Speed)Sometimes you must hold a specific vertical speed (for example to meet a crossing restriction or to fly a constant descent rate on an approach). You adjust pitch and power to pin the VSI to a target rate while still controlling airspeed, then lead the level-off.
- Steep Turns (Instrument)On instruments, a steep turn (typically a sustained 45° bank) tests your cross-check and control as the higher bank increases the back-pressure and power needed to hold altitude. With no outside horizon, you must control everything by the attitude indicator and supporting instruments.
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