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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ifr-hold-bank

In holding turns without RNAV guidance, what bank does the AIM call for?

3 degrees per second, 30 degrees, or 25 degrees with a flight director, whichever needs the least bank.

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  1. 3 degrees per second, 30 degrees, or 25 degrees with a flight director, whichever needs the least bank ✔
  2. Standard rate only, regardless of bank
  3. A fixed 15 degrees

Why: The AIM says to use 3 degrees per second, 30 degrees of bank, or 25 degrees with a flight director, whichever requires the least bank angle.

Huh, didn't know that: Standard rate turns are 3 degrees per second, which is 360 degrees in 2 minutes.

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References

Answer: 3 degrees per second, 30 degrees, or 25 degrees with a flight director, whichever needs the least bank. The AIM says to use 3 degrees per second, 30 degrees of bank, or 25 degrees with a flight director, whichever requires the least bank angle.

  1. AIM 5-3 En Route Procedures www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap5_section_3.html
    3 degrees per second, or
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  2. AIM 5-3 En Route Procedures www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap5_section_3.html
    25 degree bank angle, provided a flight director system is used.
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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