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

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).