What is a published holding pattern and what are the common entry procedures?

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What is a published holding pattern and what are the common entry procedures?

A published holding pattern is a standard racetrack-shaped path shown on instrument charts around a specific fix. It’s defined by a designated direction for turns, leg length, and an altitude, so pilots can join and remain in the hold predictably while ATC sequences traffic or times approaches. The common ways to enter this hold are direct, teardrop, and parallel. Direct entry means you fly straight to the holding fix and then join the inbound course. Teardrop entry has you turn away from the inbound course to intercept the outbound leg from an angle before turning back to the inbound. Parallel entry involves crossing the fix and flying the outbound leg parallel to the inbound course for a short distance before turning to intercept the inbound.

A published holding pattern is a standard racetrack-shaped path shown on instrument charts around a specific fix. It’s defined by a designated direction for turns, leg length, and an altitude, so pilots can join and remain in the hold predictably while ATC sequences traffic or times approaches. The common ways to enter this hold are direct, teardrop, and parallel. Direct entry means you fly straight to the holding fix and then join the inbound course. Teardrop entry has you turn away from the inbound course to intercept the outbound leg from an angle before turning back to the inbound. Parallel entry involves crossing the fix and flying the outbound leg parallel to the inbound course for a short distance before turning to intercept the inbound.

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