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 is currently approaching the VOR from the west on the 270 radial. Which entry procedure should the pilot use?
- AOffset entry.
- BParallel entry.
- CDirect entry.
- DTeardrop entry.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Teardrop entry.
To determine the holding entry procedure, mentally orient the holding pattern relative to the aircraft's position. The holding radial is 090, meaning the holding side is east of the VOR. The aircraft is approaching on the 270 radial (from the west). Extending the 090 radial outbound from the VOR, the aircraft is in the teardrop sector relative to the holding course if using standard right turns, or parallel sector if using left turns. Since the holding course is the 090 radial outbound (east), and left turns are specified, the inbound course is 270. From the 270 radial, the teardrop entry is appropriate.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Offset entry is not a standard holding entry procedure term.
- B. The parallel entry would be used if approaching from the south-east quadrant (e.g., 180-269 radial) relative to the holding course.
- C. The direct entry would be used if approaching from the north-east quadrant (e.g., 001-089 radial) relative to the holding course.
Holding Entry Procedures
There are three standard holding entry procedures: direct, parallel, and teardrop. The appropriate entry is determined by the aircraft's position relative to the holding fix and the inbound course of the holding pattern.
- Direct entry: Easiest, used when approaching from the direct entry sector.
- Parallel entry: Used when approaching from the parallel entry sector, requiring an initial turn to parallel the holding course.
- Teardrop entry: Used when approaching from the teardrop sector, requiring an initial turn to fly a teardrop course.
- Standard holding turns are to the right, non-standard to the left.
Memory trick: Direct, Parallel, Teardrop: Don't Panic, Turn Right!