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

What must you report on reaching a holding fix?

The time and altitude or flight level.

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  1. Your fuel on board and souls on board
  2. Your airspeed and heading
  3. The time and altitude or flight level ✔

Why: The AIM says to report the time and altitude or flight level upon reaching a holding fix or point to which cleared. You should also report when leaving the fix.

Huh, didn't know that: ATC may add an expect-further-clearance time if a longer hold is anticipated.

The dad joke
First day as a pilot. Tower: 'Say your position.' Me: 'Next to a cloud that looks like a lion.' Tower: 'Be more specific.' Me: 'Simba.'
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References

Answer: The time and altitude or flight level. The AIM says to report the time and altitude or flight level upon reaching a holding fix or point to which cleared. You should also report when leaving the fix.

  1. AIM 5-3 En Route Procedures www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap5_section_3.html
    the time and altitude or flight level upon reaching a holding fix or point to which cleared.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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Test yourself in the game

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

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