# Holding Procedures (Doc 8168): Entry Sectors, Timing, and DME Distance Rules

> Understand holding pattern entries, outbound timing criteria, and DME-based holding distance logic within protected airspace.

- **Subject:** 010 — Air Law
- **Section:** 010-06 — Aircraft Operations
- **Topic code:** 010-06-05
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-03-27
- **Author:** Pablo Asensio Martínez
- **HTML version:** https://pilotsyllabus.com/en/air-law/aircraft-operations/holding-procedures-icao-doc-8168-volume-i/

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Holding procedures keep the aircraft within a protected airspace while awaiting further clearance.

## Holding Entries (Sectors)

The entry depends on the heading with which the aircraft approaches the holding fix relative to the **outbound heading** of the pattern (standard right).

1.  **Sector 1 - Parallel Entry**:
    *   Turn to an outbound heading parallel to the inbound track (opposite side of pattern).
    *   Fly specified time/distance.
    *   Turn towards the holding side to intercept the inbound track or return to the fix.
2.  **Sector 2 - Offset Entry (Teardrop)**:
    *   Turn to fly a track of **30°** relative to the reciprocal of the inbound track (towards the inside of the pattern).
    *   Fly time/distance.
    *   Turn to intercept the inbound track.
3.  **Sector 3 - Direct Entry**:
    *   Over the fix, turn directly to follow the holding pattern.

## Timing and Distance

*   **Outbound Leg**:
    *   **By Time**:
        *   Up to 14,000 ft (4,250 m): **1 minute**.
        *   Above 14,000 ft: **1.5 minutes**.
        *   Timing begins **abeam the fix** or upon completing the turn if abeam cannot be determined.
    *   **By Distance (DME)**:
        *   Fly until reaching the **DME limit distance**.
        *   **It is not anticipatory**: The turn initiates *upon reaching* the distance, not before.

## Protection and Margins

*   **Speed**: Critical factor. If exceeded, the aircraft may exit the protected area.
*   **Areas**:
    *   **Basic Area**: Required space complying with parameters (speed, wind, times).
    *   **Buffer Area**: Extends **5.0 NM (9.3 km)** beyond the basic area.
*   **Risk**: Exceeding the pattern implies **losing guaranteed obstacle clearance**, not necessarily descending below minima or losing communications.
*   **Wind**: The pilot must correct heading and timing to maintain the track and geometric pattern.
*   **Turns**: Standard 25° bank or 3°/second (whichever requires less bank).

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