Follow the assigned direction.
Right turns are standard. Left turns must be assigned or charted. The dashed racetrack helps you visualize the holding side.
THE INSTRUMENT CLASSROOM
Get comfortable
going in circles.
A small, hands-on lab for holding entries, timing, and wind correction.
01 HOLDING
PROCEDURES
PROCEDURES
THE HOLD • NORTH UPPAUSED
HEADING000°
GROUND SPEED100 kt
FIX DISTANCE0.00 NM
STOPWATCH00:00
Your trackDashed path = no-wind reference, not airspace boundary
The inbound leg is the goal.
Here, aim for one minute inbound. Start outbound timing over or abeam the fix, whichever is later; if abeam cannot be determined, start when the outbound turn finishes. Adjust subsequent outbound time.
Wind changes your ground track.
Try calm wind first, then add wind. Correct drift and adjust timing to return on the inbound course. Use the trace to explain your next correction.
Instructor notes & scope
This conceptual trainer uses a constant 100 KTAS, instantaneous roll response, and rate-one heading changes. It is not an aircraft performance model, GNS 530 emulator, or approved training device. All map directions share a simplified magnetic reference. The demo is one established no-wind circuit; entry practice is a separate recognition exercise.
Above 14,000 ft MSL the normal inbound target is 90 seconds. Published or assigned distance legs use distance instead of this timed exercise. Entry questions avoid sector boundaries; FAA guidance allows ±5° when determining entry. Other entries may also remain within protected airspace. Scores measure this exercise only, not PTS proficiency.
Reference: FAA AIM 5-3-8 — Holding. Review aircraft-specific procedures with your instructor.