Holding Procedures

Proceeding with the Hold

When you get holding instructions, they will always specify the

  • radial to hold on
  • leg length
  • direction of turns (by ATC not mentioning the turn direction, it means they want standard right turns)
  • and an EFC time

We’ll go ahead and take a look below at some examples of how a hold entry and the whole procedure will look (establishing yourself in the hold based on ATC’s instructions)

Cessna 8MA, hold north on the 360 radial of the Sarasota VORTAC, 1 minute legs, Expect Further Clearance at 1253Z, time now 1240Z

holding pattern example

 

Cessna 8MA, hold north on the 150 radial of the Sarasota VORTAC, 5 mile legs, left turns, Expect Further Clearance at 1253Z, time now 1240Z

Holding Pattern Limits

  • 0-6,000ft msl 200knots
  • 6,001msl-14,000 msl 230knots
  • 14,001 msl+ 265knots
  • Slow to holding speed 3 mins prior to crossing the holding fix
  • At or below 14,000’ msl 1min
  • Above 14,000’ msl 1.5min