Minimum Holding Altitude

Minimum holding altitude is the lowest altitude at which an aircraft may hold at a designated holding fix, providing obstacle clearance within the protected airspace of the holding pattern. Minimum holding altitudes are published on IFR en route charts and approach plates.

Holding Pattern Protection

A holding pattern is an oval-shaped flight path — two straight legs connected by 180° turns — flown at a specific fix. The minimum holding altitude ensures obstacle clearance throughout the entire protected airspace of the holding pattern, including the turning segments. Standard holding is right turns unless specified otherwise.

Holding Entry Procedures

Depending on the aircraft’s heading relative to the holding pattern, one of three standard entries is used: direct entry, teardrop entry, or parallel entry. Knowing which entry to use from any arrival heading is a fundamental instrument skill tested on CPL and instrument rating checks.

Related Terms

See also: Minimum Holding Altitude, Clearance Limit, EFC.