FAA Instrument Flight Instructor (FII)IFR Procedures and ApproachesMedium
A pilot is cleared to hold at a fix at 16,000 feet MSL, and the clearance does not specify a leg length. According to standard holding pattern criteria, what should the inbound leg time be?
- A1 minute 30 seconds
- B3 minutes
- C2 minutes
- D1 minute
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 1 minute 30 seconds
Standard holding pattern timing is 1 minute for the inbound leg at or below 14,000 feet MSL, and 1 minute 30 seconds above 14,000 feet MSL, unless a DME/RNAV distance or ATC-specified leg length is published or assigned.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. 3 minutes is not a standard holding leg time.
- C. 2 minutes is not a standard holding leg time.
- D. 1 minute applies only at or below 14,000 feet MSL.
Standard Holding Pattern Leg Timing
Timed inbound leg length in a standard holding pattern based on altitude, used when no DME/RNAV distance or other leg length is specified.
- 1 minute inbound leg at or below 14,000 feet MSL
- 1 minute 30 seconds inbound leg above 14,000 feet MSL
- DME/RNAV holds instead specify leg length in nautical miles
- Timing begins abeam the fix or when wings level, whichever occurs later
Memory trick: '1 minute low, 1.5 up high' — legs stretch as you climb