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AIM 

4/20/23

 

5

3

24

En Route Procedures

310 KIAS is permitted in Climb

in

holding, unless a maximum holding airspeed is published, in which case that

maximum airspeed is applicable. The airspeed limitations in 14 CFR Section 91.117, Aircraft Speed, still apply.

(c)

The following phraseology may be used by an ATCS to advise a pilot of the maximum holding

airspeed for a holding pattern airspace area.

PHRASEOLOGY

(AIRCRAFT IDENTIFICATION) (holding instructions, when needed) MAXIMUM HOLDING AIRSPEED IS (speed in
knots).

FIG 5

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4

Holding Pattern Entry Procedures

3. Entry Procedures. 

Holding protected airspace is designed based in part on pilot compliance with the

three recommended holding pattern entry procedures discussed below. Deviations from these recommendations,
coupled with excessive airspeed crossing the holding fix, may in some cases result in the aircraft exceeding
holding protected airspace. (See FIG 5

3

4.)

(a) Parallel Procedure.

When approaching the holding fix from anywhere in sector (a), the parallel

entry procedure would be to turn to a heading to parallel the holding course outbound on the nonholding side
for one minute, turn in the direction of the holding pattern through more than 180 degrees, and return to the
holding fix or intercept the holding course inbound.

(b) Teardrop Procedure.

When approaching the holding fix from anywhere in sector (b), the teardrop

entry procedure would be to fly to the fix, turn outbound to a heading for a 30 degree teardrop entry within the
pattern (on the holding side) for a period of one minute, then turn in the direction of the holding pattern to intercept
the inbound holding course.

(c) Direct Entry Procedure.

When approaching the holding fix from anywhere in sector (c), the direct

entry procedure would be to fly directly to the fix and turn to follow the holding pattern.

(d)

While other entry procedures may enable the aircraft to enter the holding pattern and remain within

protected airspace, the parallel, teardrop and direct entries are the procedures for entry and holding recommended
by the FAA, and were derived as part of the development of the size and shape of the obstacle protection areas
for holding.

(e) Nonstandard Holding Pattern.

 Fix end and outbound end turns are made to the left. Entry

procedures to a nonstandard pattern are oriented in relation to the 70 degree line on the holding side just as in
the standard pattern.