SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ifr-hold-nonstandard-left

In a nonstandard holding pattern, which way do you turn?

Left turns; standard patterns use right turns.

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  1. Left turns ✔
  2. Right turns
  3. It depends on the wind

Why: In the AIM, the standard holding pattern uses right turns. A nonstandard pattern uses left turns, so the fix end and outbound end turns are made to the left.

Huh, didn't know that: The parallel, teardrop and direct entries are the hold entry procedures the FAA recommends.

The dad joke
Tower: "Aircraft in holding pattern, say fuelstate?" Aircraft: "Fuelstate." Tower: "Say again?" Aircraft: "Again..."
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References

Answer: Left turns. In the AIM, the standard holding pattern uses right turns. A nonstandard pattern uses left turns, so the fix end and outbound end turns are made to the left.

  1. AIM 5-3 En Route Procedures www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap5_section_3.html
    Fix end and outbound end turns are made to the left.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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FlyingAt or below 14,000 feet MSL, what is the standard inbound leg time in a hold?FlyingWhat is the maximum holding airspeed from 6,001 to 14,000 feet?FlyingIn holding turns without RNAV guidance, what bank does the AIM call for?

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