A holding pattern is a designated aerial maneuver where an aircraft flies in a continuous loop, typically shaped like a racetrack, while waiting for clearance to proceed. Air traffic control assigns these patterns to manage congestion, wait out bad weather, or space out arrivals. The pattern is defined by a specific navigational fix, an inbound course, and a set altitude.
Approach just put us in a holding pattern over the VOR because of a disabled aircraft on the active runway.
Also heard as
- hold
Related terms
Approach
The final phase of a flight where an aircraft aligns with the runway for landing.
Fix
A fix is a specific geographical position determined by visual reference or navigational instruments.
Missed approach
A published procedure a pilot follows when an instrument approach cannot be completed to a landing.