FIG 5-3-3

Holding Pattern Descriptive Terms

ABEAM
HOLDING SIDE
OUTBOUND

FIX END

RECIPROCAL

INBOUND
FIX

NONHOLDING SIDE

j. Holding pattern airspace protection is based on
the following procedures.
1. Descriptive Terms.
(a) Standard Pattern. Right turns
(See FIG 5-3-3.)
(b) Nonstandard Pattern. Left turns
2. Airspeeds.
(a) All aircraft may hold at the following
altitudes and maximum holding airspeeds:
TBL 5-3-20

Altitude (MSL)
MHA - 6,000"
6,001" - 14,000"
14,001" and above

Airspeed (KIAS)

NOTE-
These are the maximum indicated air speeds applicable to
all holding.

(b) The following are exceptions to the
maximum holding airspeeds:
(1) Holding patterns from 6,001" to
14,000" may be restricted to a maximum airspeed of
210 KIAS. This nonstandard pattern will be depicted
by an icon.
(2) Holding patterns may be restricted to a
maximum speed. The speed restriction is depicted in
parenthesis inside the holding pattern on the chart:
e.g., (175). The aircraft should be at or below the
maximum speed prior to initially crossing the holding

En Route Procedures

OUTBOUND
END

HOLDING
COURSE

fix to avoid exiting the protected airspace. Pilots
unable to comply with the maximum airspeed
restriction should notify ATC.
(3) Holding patterns at USAF airfields
only - 310 KIAS maximum, unless otherwise
depicted.
(4) Holding patterns at Navy fields only -
230 KIAS maximum, unless otherwise depicted.
(5) All helicopter/power lift aircraft holding on a "COPTER" instrument procedure is
predicated on a minimum airspeed of 90 KIAS unless
charted otherwise.
(6) When a climb-in hold is specified by a
published procedure (for example, "Climb-in
holding pattern to depart XYZ VORTAC at or above
10,000." or "All aircraft climb-in TRUCK holding
pattern to cross TRUCK Int at or above 11,500 before
proceeding on course."), additional obstacle protection area has been provided to allow for greater
airspeeds in the climb for those aircraft requiring
them. A maximum airspeed of 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).

5-3-21