Plain English Meaning

A holding procedure is a way for a pilot to fly a steady, repeating loop in the sky over a known point so the aircraft stays in a safe, predictable place until the controller is ready to let them continue.

Full Definition

Standardized maneuvers used to keep an aircraft within a defined airspace while awaiting further clearance from air traffic control. A holding pattern is a racetrack-shaped flight path flown around a fixed point (a navigation aid, intersection, or waypoint), consisting of two turns and two straight legs. Standard holding uses -hand turns; nonstandard holding uses -hand turns and must be specifically assigned by . Inbound legs are typically one minute below 14,000 feet and one and a half at or above 14,000 feet MSL, unless a distance is specified using or .