Definition
Holding patterns in which the inbound and outbound legs are defined by specific distances measured by Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) or GPS, rather than by elapsed time. The pilot flies until reaching the published distance from the holding fix, then turns to remain within the protected airspace.
Plain English
A holding pattern where you fly out and back based on miles from the fix, not minutes on a clock. When the distance readout hits the published number, you turn.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument procedure charts and in holding instructions when the hold is defined by DME mileage or by GPS/RNAV navigation.
Derivation
DME stands for Distance Measuring Equipment, a system that tells the aircraft how far it is from a ground station. GPS provides the same distance information from satellites. Either source replaces the stopwatch traditionally used to time the legs of a hold.
Why Pilots Care
Keeps the holding pattern a consistent size even in strong winds or at high altitudes, helping the aircraft stay inside protected airspace.
Grounding Statement
Instead of flying outbound for a set number of seconds, the pilot watches distance or GPS guidance to know when the holding leg is complete.
Intuition Check
Holding does not mean stopping in the air. It means flying a repeated protected course while waiting. DME/GPS does not change the purpose of the hold; it changes how the pilot identifies the pattern limits.
Example Sentence 1
ATC cleared us to hold east of the fix on the 090 radial with 5-mile legs, so we flew the DME/GPS holding pattern using the distance readout instead of timing.
Example Sentence 2
Because the pattern used GPS distances, the aircraft maintained the same size regardless of the headwind on the inbound leg.