FAA Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA)IFR Procedures and ChartsMedium
A pilot enters a holding pattern using the parallel entry procedure. After flying outbound on the nonholding side for the appropriate time, what should the pilot do next?
- AContinue flying the same outbound heading indefinitely until receiving further ATC instructions
- BReverse course only if ATC specifically authorizes a course reversal during the entry
- CImmediately execute a missed approach since parallel entries are only used when holding cannot be established
- DTurn to intercept the inbound holding course, or turn to parallel it back to the fix, before continuing normal holding
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Turn to intercept the inbound holding course, or turn to parallel it back to the fix, before continuing normal holding
In a parallel entry, the aircraft flies outbound on a heading parallel to the inbound course on the non-holding side, then turns (usually via a turn in the direction of the holding pattern) to intercept the inbound holding course or to parallel it back toward the fix, re-joining the pattern and continuing normal holding.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Incorrect — the pilot must turn back toward the holding course after the outbound leg
- B. Incorrect — no special ATC authorization is needed; parallel entry is a standard pilot procedure
- C. Incorrect — parallel entry is a normal holding entry technique, not a missed approach trigger
Parallel Holding Entry
A holding entry technique where the aircraft flies outbound parallel to the inbound course on the nonholding side, then turns to rejoin the inbound course or fly a teardrop back to the fix.
- One of three standard entries: direct, teardrop, parallel
- Used when approaching from the nonholding side of the pattern
- After outbound leg, turn back to intercept inbound course
Memory trick: Parallel park, then turn back to the holding lane.