FlyCurrentFLYCURRENT
AA.VI.J.S4FAA-S-ACS-11A · Nov 2023Skills

Comply with the holding pattern leg length and other restrictions, if applicable, assoc...

ACS element text (the applicant demonstrates understanding of)

Comply with the holding pattern leg length and other restrictions, if applicable, associated with the holding pattern.

Bottom line

The leg lengths for DME/GPS holding patterns are based on distances in nautical miles rather than time, and these patterns use the same entry and holding procedures as conventional holding patterns. A clearance for an uncharted holding pattern contains additional information, including the outbound leg length in minutes or nautical miles when DME is used. The ATC clearance always specifies left turns when a nonstandard pattern is to be flown.

FAA references

  1. IPH ch. 3 (p. 3-21) — FAA-H-8083-16B
  2. IPH ch. 2 (p. 2-50) — FAA-H-8083-16B
  3. IFH ch. 10 (p. 10-10) — FAA-H-8083-15B
  4. IFH ch. 10 (p. 10-11) — FAA-H-8083-15B
  5. IPH ch. 2 (pp. 2-51–2-52) — FAA-H-8083-16B
Members lesson

Build understanding you can use

Unlock the full lesson and continue studying this element.

  • Full teaching sections: Standard; Meeting it; Deviations; Practice
  • Check your understanding with answers you can reveal
View membership options