Definition
A charted holding pattern used in place of a standard procedure turn to accomplish course reversal on an instrument approach. The aircraft enters the holding pattern at the designated fix, completes the necessary turns to reverse course and lose altitude if required, then proceeds inbound on the final approach course. Unlike a standard holding pattern used for delay, the HILO is flown as part of the approach itself, and a pilot is normally expected to make only one circuit unless additional time is needed and ATC has been advised.
Plain English
It is a holding pattern shown on an approach chart that the pilot flies as a way to turn the aircraft around so it can line up with the final approach course. The pattern takes the place of a procedure turn.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument approach charts and discussed during course-reversal planning before flying an instrument approach.
Derivation
The name describes its function literally: it is a hold flown 'in lieu of' (in place of) a procedure turn. 'In lieu of' comes from the French 'lieu' meaning 'place,' so 'hold-in-lieu-of PT' simply means 'a hold used instead of a procedure turn.'
Why Pilots Care
It keeps the aircraft in protected airspace while reversing course and can reduce the time and distance required compared to a full procedure turn.
Intuition Check
Do not assume the word “hold” means you are only waiting. In a HILO, the holding pattern is also the approved turn-around maneuver that lines you up for the approach.
Example Sentence 1
The approach chart showed a HILO at the initial approach fix, so the pilot entered the pattern, completed one circuit to reverse course, and continued inbound on the final approach course.
Example Sentence 2
Instead of requesting a procedure turn, the crew flew the published HILO to align with the final approach course.