Definition
A charted holding pattern published on an instrument approach procedure that replaces the standard procedure turn or course reversal. The pilot flies the depicted holding pattern to align with the final approach course and establish the aircraft inbound, rather than executing a procedure turn. It is mandatory when shown as the only course reversal method, unless cleared straight-in by ATC or arriving via a NoPT route, feeder, or terminal arrival.
Plain English
Instead of doing a procedure turn to reverse direction and line up with the final approach, the chart shows a holding pattern. You fly the holding pattern once to get yourself turned around and aligned, then continue inbound for the approach.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument approach charts, especially near the point where the pilot begins the approach or needs to turn inbound toward the airport.
Derivation
"In lieu of" is from Old French lieu, meaning "place." So the phrase literally means "in the place of" a procedure turn -- the holding pattern takes its spot.
Why Pilots Care
It provides a standardized, charted way to align with the final approach course and reach the proper altitude without deviating from published instructions.
Intuition Check
Do not assume “holding” here always means waiting for ATC. In this term, the hold-shaped pattern is usually part of the approach itself, used to get turned around or lined up.
Example Sentence 1
The approach plate showed a holding pattern in lieu of a procedure turn at LIMAR, so we flew one circuit of the hold to reverse course and intercept the final approach.
Example Sentence 2
Cleared for the approach with holding in lieu of procedure turn, the pilot completes one full holding pattern before proceeding inbound.