A pilot is flying an IFR flight and is cleared to 'Hold east of the VOR on the 090 radial, left turns, 1-minute legs.' The aircraft's true airspeed is 150 knots, and the holding altitude is 8,000 feet MSL. What is the approximate magnetic heading the pilot should fly on the outbound leg, assuming zero wind?
- A090 degrees.
- B270 degrees.
- C360 degrees.
- D180 degrees.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. 270 degrees.
The holding instruction specifies 'east of the VOR on the 090 radial.' This means the holding fix is on the 090 radial (from the VOR). When holding 'east of' a fix on the 090 radial, the inbound course is the 090 radial (or 090 magnetic heading towards the VOR). With left turns, the outbound leg will be the reciprocal of the inbound course. Thus, the inbound course is 090, and the outbound course is 090 + 180 = 270 degrees. Since there's no wind, magnetic heading will be the same as magnetic course.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This would be the inbound course, not the outbound.
- C. This would be the outbound course if the inbound was 180/360.
- D. This would be the outbound course if the inbound was 360/180.
Standard Holding Pattern Outbound Leg
In a standard holding pattern, the outbound leg is flown on a heading that is the reciprocal of the inbound course, adjusted for wind if necessary, to remain within the protected airspace.
- Inbound course is given by ATC or chart.
- Outbound course is reciprocal (180 degrees difference) of inbound.
- Turns are standard (right) unless otherwise specified (left).
- Outbound leg duration is 1 minute below 14,000 ft, 1.5 minutes above.
Memory trick: Holding: 'Inbound is Given, Outbound is Opposing'.