AIM 

4/20/23 

310 KIAS is permitted in Climb

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in

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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

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

knots). 

FIG 5

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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

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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. 

En Route Procedures

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