Holding Pattern Entry Tool

Determine the correct entry — direct, teardrop, or parallel — based on your heading and the inbound holding course.

Input

1 - 360°
1 - 360°

Recommended Entry

parallel Entry

NESW3060120150210240300330000° INHDG 230°DIRECTPARALLELTEARDROPFIXR Turns
Direct Teardrop Parallel Your Heading

How to Fly the parallel Entry

  1. 1Fly to the holding fix.
  2. 2At the fix, turn to the outbound heading (180°), flying parallel to the inbound course but in the opposite direction.
  3. 3Fly parallel for 1 minute.
  4. 4Turn back toward the holding side (turn left approximately 225°) to intercept the inbound course (000°) back to the fix.

Practice Mode

Test yourself with random scenarios. Given an inbound course and your heading, select the correct holding pattern entry.

How Holding Pattern Entries Work

When cleared to hold, you must enter the holding pattern using one of three entry procedures based on which sector you are approaching from. The sectors are defined by two lines drawn through the holding fix:

  • Line 1: The reciprocal of the inbound course (i.e., the outbound heading).
  • Line 2: A line 70° from the reciprocal on the holding side.

These two lines create three sectors:

  • Direct Sector (110°): If you are approaching from the holding side of the pattern, fly directly to the fix, then turn outbound. This is the simplest entry.
  • Teardrop Sector (110°): Fly to the fix, then fly outbound at a 30° offset toward the holding side. After 1 minute, turn to intercept the inbound course.
  • Parallel Sector (140°): Fly to the fix, then fly outbound parallel to the inbound course (but in the opposite direction). After 1 minute, turn back to intercept the inbound course.

For standard holding patterns (right turns), the holding side is to the right of the inbound course. For non-standard patterns (left turns), the holding side is to the left.

Holding Patterns on Your Checkride

Holding patterns are tested on every instrument rating written exam and checkride. You must be able to determine the correct entry within seconds. This is one of 47+ question types you need to master.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a holding pattern?

A holding pattern is a predetermined maneuver that keeps an aircraft within a specified airspace while awaiting further clearance from ATC. It consists of a racetrack-shaped flight path with an inbound leg, a turn, an outbound leg, and another turn back to the fix.

What is the difference between standard and non-standard holding?

A standard holding pattern uses right turns. A non-standard holding pattern uses left turns. ATC will specify “left turns” if a non-standard pattern is required; otherwise, assume right turns.

How long is the outbound leg?

At or below 14,000 feet MSL, the outbound leg is 1 minute. Above 14,000 feet, it is 1.5 minutes. If a DME or RNAV distance is specified, fly to that distance instead of timing.

What speed should I fly in a holding pattern?

Maximum holding airspeeds (IAS) per FAA regulations: 200 KIAS at or below 6,000 feet, 230 KIAS from 6,001 to 14,000 feet, and 265 KIAS above 14,000 feet. In turbulence, you may request higher speeds from ATC.

What if I am exactly on a sector boundary?

If your heading falls exactly on a boundary line, either adjacent entry is acceptable. In practice, the FAA allows a 5° tolerance zone on each side of the boundary.

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