Direct, teardrop, and parallel entries
AIM 5-3-8 and Figure 5-3-4 divide the area around a holding fix into three sectors with a 70° line on the holding side. Measured by the aircraft’s heading as it arrives at the fix, the sectors are:
- Direct — a 180° sector. Cross the fix and turn in the direction of the hold.
- Teardrop — 70° on the holding side, next to the outbound. Cross the fix, fly a heading 30° off the outbound toward the holding side for one minute (or 1½ minutes above 14,000 ft), then turn to intercept the inbound.
- Parallel — 110° on the non-holding side, next to the outbound. Cross the fix, parallel the holding course outbound on the non-holding side for one minute, then turn toward the pattern through more than 180° and intercept the inbound or return to the fix.
On a sector boundary, or within 5° of one, either adjacent entry may be used (AIM 5-3-8 j.8.(d)). Nonstandard (left-turn) holds use the same 70° line on their holding side; the sectors are mirrored about the inbound course.
Holding speeds and timing
Civil maximum holding speeds are 200 KIAS up to 6,000 ft, 230 KIAS from 6,001 to 14,000 ft (some patterns are posted at 210), and 265 KIAS above 14,000 ft. A charted speed in parentheses overrides the table. Time the inbound leg 1 minute at or below 14,000 ft MSL and 1½ minutes above; start outbound timing abeam the fix or when the outbound turn is complete. Triple the inbound wind-correction angle on the outbound leg.
Worked example
Hold with an inbound course of 360°, right turns, heading 090 at the fix, 4,000 ft, 100 kt TAS:
- Relative heading = 90°. That sits in the parallel sector (70° to 180°).
- Recommended entry: parallel. Fly 180° outbound on the non-holding side for one minute, then turn left through more than 180° to intercept the 360° inbound.
- Maximum speed at 4,000 ft is 200 KIAS; inbound leg 1 minute, about 1.7 NM at 100 kt.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if a holding entry is direct, teardrop, or parallel?
Compare your heading at the fix to the inbound course. Direct is the large 180° sector; teardrop is 70° on the holding side next to the outbound; parallel is 110° on the non-holding side. Within 5° of a boundary, either adjacent entry may be used.
What heading do I fly for a teardrop entry?
Outbound plus or minus 30°, toward the holding side. For a standard right-hand hold that is outbound minus 30°. Fly it for one minute (or 1½ above 14,000 ft), then turn to intercept inbound.
What are the maximum holding speeds?
200 KIAS to 6,000 ft, 230 KIAS from 6,001 to 14,000, 265 KIAS above, unless a slower speed is published.
How long is a holding leg?
1 minute inbound at or below 14,000 ft MSL, 1½ minutes above. DME or RNAV legs use a published distance instead.