In a standard holding pattern, what is the direction of turns?

In a standard holding pattern, what is the direction of turns?

• A. Left turns
• B. Right turns
• C. Circular turns
• D. Irregular turns

Answer: (B)

A standard holding pattern uses right-hand turns around the holding fix. When you reach the fix and begin the hold, you execute 180-degree turns to the right, creating the familiar racetrack shape with straight inbound and outbound legs. This right-turn convention is the standard unless ATC or the procedure specifies a nonstandard hold, in which case left turns would be used. Left or irregular turns aren’t part of the standard definition, and circular isn’t a term used to describe the holding pattern’s turns.

A standard holding pattern uses right-hand turns around the holding fix. When you reach the fix and begin the hold, you execute 180-degree turns to the right, creating the familiar racetrack shape with straight inbound and outbound legs. This right-turn convention is the standard unless ATC or the procedure specifies a nonstandard hold, in which case left turns would be used. Left or irregular turns aren’t part of the standard definition, and circular isn’t a term used to describe the holding pattern’s turns.