Definition
A holding pattern flown by a helicopter at reduced airspeed, typically at or below 90 knots, used while waiting for clearance to continue an instrument approach or proceed on course. Helicopter holding pattern dimensions are smaller than those used by airplanes because of the lower holding speed.
Plain English
When a helicopter has to wait in the air for its turn to land or fly on, it flies a slow oval-shaped racetrack pattern. Because helicopters fly the pattern slowly, the oval is smaller than what an airplane would fly.
Context Anchor
Seen on helicopter instrument procedures, including copter GPS approaches, where a helicopter may need to wait, lose altitude, reverse course, or follow a missed approach path.
Derivation
“Holding” in aviation means staying in a controlled pattern near a specified point, not physically holding something. In this term, “helicopter” tells you the holding procedure is designed for helicopter performance and speeds.
Why Pilots Care
Allows safe holding with less airspace use while awaiting clearance or sequencing on helicopter instrument approaches.
Grounding Statement
Picture the helicopter flying a repeated oval-like path around a charted point, staying within assigned limits until it can proceed.
Intuition Check
Do not read “holding” as hovering. In instrument procedures, helicopter holding means flying a specified repeating flight path around a point.
Example Sentence 1
ATC instructed the pilot to enter helicopter holding at the missed approach fix and expect further clearance in ten minutes.
Example Sentence 2
During the copter GPS approach, helicopter holding kept the aircraft within protected airspace while delaying the final descent.