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

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AFMAN 11-217V1 3 JANUARY 2005
Table 10.1. Maximum Holding Airspeeds.
ALTITUDE
MHA through 6,000'
Above 6,000' through 14,000'
Above 14,000'
Maximum Speed
200 KIAS
230 KIAS
265 KIAS
10.2.4.1. NOTE: At USAF airfields, the maximum holding airspeed is 310 KIAS
unless otherwise noted. At USN airfields, the maximum holding airspeed is 230
KIAS unless otherwise noted.
10.2.4.2. NOTE: Although FAAO 7130.3a Holding Pattern Criteria, details
maximum holding airspeeds by aircraft type, these are not applied in the creation of
holding patterns. Adherence to the maximum speeds shown above, or the published
maximum holding speed, whichever is lower, will insure you remain within protected
airspace.
10.3. Holding Pattern Procedures.
10.3.1. Holding Procedure. The angular difference between the inbound holding course
and the heading at initial holding fix passage determines the direction of turn to enter the
holding pattern. Holding pattern sizes can vary greatly depending on the altitude of the
holding pattern, primary aircraft the procedure was designed for, and other factors. Pilots
have no way of knowing the design limits of protected airspace for a particular holding
pattern.
10.3.2. Established in Holding. You are considered established in the holding pattern
upon initial passage of the holding fix.
10.3.3. Bank Angle. Unless correcting for known winds, make all turns during entry
and while holding at: 3 degrees per second, or 30 degree bank angle, or bank angle
commanded by the flight director system, whichever requires the least bank angle.
10.3.4. Entry Turns. There are a number of techniques to enter holding which should
keep you within holding airspace. Although any technique may be used to enter holding,
using the commonly accepted ones described below will keep you within holding
airspace and insure your actions are predictable to the air traffic controller. Therefore, it
is recommended that you use one of the described techniques.
10.3.4.1. Technique A (“70 Degree Method”):
10.3.4.1.1. Within 70°. If the inbound holding course is within 70° of the aircraft
heading, turn outbound on the holding side to parallel the holding course. (For a
standard pattern, turn right to enter.) Upon completion of the outbound leg,
proceed direct or intercept the holding course to the fix.
10.3.4.1.2. Not within 70°. If the inbound holding course is not within 70° of the
aircraft heading, turn outbound in the shorter direction to parallel the holding
course. If this turn places you on the non-holding side, either parallel (adjust for
wind) or attempt to intercept the holding course outbound. If you are on the nonholding
side or on the holding course at the completion of the outbound leg, turn
toward the holding side, then proceed direct or intercept the holding course to the