Definition
An RNAV path-and-terminator leg type that defines a holding pattern which terminates at a designated fix. The aircraft flies the holding pattern until it crosses the fix, at which point the leg ends and the aircraft proceeds to the next leg of the procedure. HF legs are typically used for course reversals, altitude changes, or to absorb delay before continuing on a procedure.
Plain English
A coded instruction in an instrument procedure that tells the aircraft to fly one lap of a holding pattern, then continue on once it crosses the holding fix.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument procedure coding and GPS navigator sequencing for RNAV approaches, course reversals, and some missed-approach procedures.
Derivation
From the ARINC 424 path-and-terminator coding system, where each leg type is given a two-letter code. 'H' stands for Hold and 'F' stands for Fix, meaning a hold that terminates at a fix. Knowing this helps you recognise related codes like HA (hold to altitude) and HM (hold to manual termination).
Why Pilots Care
It guarantees the aircraft completes the required hold before continuing, preserving separation and correct sequencing on the procedure.
Grounding Statement
Picture flying one racetrack-shaped lap and leaving that part of the procedure when you cross the named point again.
Intuition Check
Do not read “fix” as a repair or “leg” as a body part. In this context, a fix is a named position in space, and a leg is one coded segment of the procedure.
Example Sentence 1
The missed approach procedure included an HF leg at WIDOW intersection, so the autopilot flew one turn in holding and then sequenced to the next waypoint.
Example Sentence 2
After the hold instruction, the FMS automatically sequenced the HF leg and terminated it upon fix crossing.