Definition
The point in a holding pattern at which the aircraft is directly off the wingtip of the holding fix, ninety degrees to the inbound holding course. In a standard holding pattern, the abeam position marks the start of the outbound leg timing when the holding fix cannot be observed at the wingtip directly.
Plain English
The moment in a holding pattern when the holding point is straight out to the side of the aircraft, level with the wingtip rather than ahead or behind.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument holding procedures, especially when deciding when to start timing the outbound leg.
Derivation
Abeam' comes from the old nautical term meaning 'on the beam' of a ship — the beam being the widest part, running side to side. So 'abeam' literally means 'off to the side, at right angles.' The aviation use carries the same idea: something is abeam when it sits directly off the wing, neither ahead nor behind.
Why Pilots Care
Accurate identification of the abeam position ensures correct leg timing so the holding pattern stays inside protected airspace.
Analogy
If you drive past a landmark and it is directly out your side window, you are abeam it. In an airplane, the abeam position is the same idea, but the landmark is usually a fix shown by your instruments.
Intuition Check
Abeam does not mean near the fix or lined up with it. It means the fix is directly off the side of the aircraft, about 90 degrees from the nose.
Example Sentence 1
The pilot started the outbound timer as the aircraft reached the abeam position over the holding fix.
Example Sentence 2
The pilot adjusted the outbound leg length after passing the abeam position to remain within the holding airspace.