BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE AIR FORCE ...

AFMAN 11-217V1 3 JANUARY 2005 243
10.1. Definition.
Chapter 10
HOLDING
10.1.1. Basic. Holding is maneuvering an aircraft in relation to a navigation fix while
awaiting further clearance. The standard no-wind holding pattern is flown by following a
specified holding course inbound to the holding fix, making a 180° turn to the right,
flying a heading outbound to parallel the holding course, and making another 180° turn to
the right to intercept and follow the holding course to the fix (Figure 10.1). The holding
pattern is nonstandard when the turns are made to the left. Unless otherwise instructed
by ATC, pilots are expected to hold in a standard pattern. The standard no-wind length
of the inbound leg of the holding pattern is 1 minute when holding at or below 14,000
feet MSL and 1½ minutes when holding above 14,000 feet MSL. DME holding patterns
specify the outbound leg length. If holding at a DME fix without specified outbound leg
length, use timing procedures listed above.
Figure 10.1. Holding Pattern.
10.1.2. Course Guidance. Holding patterns have inbound course guidance provided by a
VOR, TACAN, NDB, localizer, or RNAV/GPS. While in holding, the localizer signal is
the most accurate method of determining aircraft position. However, if a VOR, TACAN
or NDB also defines the holding pattern, it’s the pilot’s option as to which NAVAID to
use.
10.1.2.1 NOTE: AFJMAN 11-226 TERPS, states that the use of TACAN station
passage as a fix is not acceptable for holding fixes (regardless of altitude) or high
altitude initial approach fixes (those IAFs which are at or above FL180). This
restriction is driven by the TACAN fix error involved in station passage. Therefore,