Plain English Meaning

A holding pattern where you fly out and back based on miles from a station, not minutes on a clock. You turn around when the distance reading hits a specific number.

Full Definition

A holding pattern in which the inbound and outbound legs are defined by distances measured from a DME (Distance Measuring Equipment) station rather than by time. The pilot flies the racetrack pattern by reference to specific DME mileage readouts that mark the ends of each leg, instead of timing the legs with a stopwatch.

Context Anchor

Seen in instrument holding procedures when a chart or clearance gives holding instructions using DME mile points, such as at or between certain distances from a station.