FAA Instrument Flight Instructor (FII)Instrument RegulationsMedium
A pilot is holding at a fix with published instructions for a standard (right-turn) holding pattern. The aircraft approaches the fix from a direction that places it in the sector on the non-holding side, requiring the pilot to fly to the fix, turn to parallel the outbound course, and then turn back to intercept the inbound course. Which holding entry procedure is this?
- ATeardrop entry
- BDirect entry
- COffset entry
- DParallel entry
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Parallel entry
A parallel entry is used when the aircraft approaches from the non-holding side; the pilot flies to the fix, turns to parallel the outbound course (in the direction opposite the holding pattern turns), flies outbound for the appropriate time, then turns back to intercept the inbound course.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Teardrop entry uses a 30° offset outbound heading on the holding side, not a parallel outbound track.
- B. Direct entry is used when approaching within the sector aligned with the inbound course, turning directly into the pattern.
- C. 'Offset entry' is not one of the three standard FAA-recognized holding entry procedures.
Holding Pattern Entries
There are three standard holding entry procedures — direct, teardrop, and parallel — determined by the aircraft's approach bearing relative to the holding course.
- Direct entry: fly directly into the pattern turning outbound
- Teardrop entry: fly a 30° offset outbound heading on the holding side, then turn inbound
- Parallel entry: fly outbound parallel to the inbound course on the non-holding side, then turn to intercept inbound
Memory trick: 'Direct dives in, Teardrop tucks in 30°, Parallel runs alongside.'