A pilot is flying an IFR flight and is cleared to 'Hold east of the VOR on the 090 radial, left turns, maintain 7,000.' The pilot is currently approaching the VOR from the west on the 270 radial. What is the correct entry procedure for this holding pattern?
- ATeardrop entry.
- BParallel entry.
- CDirect entry.
- DOffset entry.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Teardrop entry.
The holding pattern is east of the VOR on the 090 radial with left turns. The pilot is approaching from the west on the 270 radial. To determine the entry, mentally orient the aircraft to the holding fix. The inbound course is the 090 radial. With left turns, the holding side is to the north of the inbound course. The aircraft is approaching from the sector that would require a teardrop entry. The teardrop entry involves flying towards the fix, turning 30 degrees into the holding side, flying for 1 minute, then turning to intercept the inbound course.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Parallel entry is used when approaching the fix from the sector that is parallel to the inbound course, then turning to parallel the outbound leg.
- C. Direct entry is used when approaching the fix from the sector that allows for a direct turn into the holding pattern.
- D. Offset entry is not a standard FAA holding entry procedure term.
Standard Holding Pattern Entry Procedures
There are three standard holding pattern entry procedures (direct, parallel, teardrop) used to safely transition an aircraft into a holding pattern, determined by the aircraft's approach direction relative to the holding course.
- Holding patterns are right turns by default, unless specified 'left turns'.
- Entry procedure is determined by dividing the holding side into three sectors relative to the inbound course.
- Direct entry: flying into the pattern directly.
- Parallel entry: flying parallel to the inbound course, then turning back.
- Teardrop entry: flying a 30-degree offset for a specified time/distance, then turning to intercept the inbound course.
Memory trick: Direct, Parallel, Teardrop: Don't Panic, Take it Easy.