FAA Instrument Flight Instructor (FII)IFR Procedures and ApproachesMedium
A pilot is cleared to hold at a fix at 9,000 feet MSL with no additional restrictions issued by ATC. According to the AIM, what is the maximum holding airspeed authorized?
- A175 KIAS
- B230 KIAS
- C265 KIAS
- D200 KIAS
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. 230 KIAS
AIM holding airspeed limits are based on altitude and apply to all aircraft categories: MHA–6,000 ft MSL = 200 KIAS; 6,001–14,000 ft MSL = 230 KIAS; 14,001 ft and above = 265 KIAS. At 9,000 ft MSL, the maximum is 230 KIAS.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 175 KIAS is not a published maximum holding airspeed under current AIM guidance.
- C. 265 KIAS applies only above 14,000 feet MSL.
- D. 200 KIAS applies only at or below 6,000 feet MSL.
Maximum Holding Airspeed
AIM-published speed limits for holding patterns based on altitude, applicable to all aircraft categories unless a charted holding pattern restricts speed further.
- MHA to 6,000 ft MSL: 200 KIAS
- 6,001 to 14,000 ft MSL: 230 KIAS
- Above 14,000 ft MSL: 265 KIAS
- Charted pattern airspeed restrictions override the standard table
Memory trick: 200 below 6, 230 to 14, 265 up high