Definition
The side of the holding pattern that contains the racetrack-shaped path the aircraft flies — the side where the inbound leg, the holding fix, and both turns occur. It is the opposite side of the holding course from the non-holding (or maneuvering) side.
Plain English
The side of the holding pattern where the aircraft actually flies its racetrack. If you drew a line along the inbound course to the fix, the holding side is the half of the picture where the loops are.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument holding procedures, especially when identifying the correct entry and visualizing where the holding pattern sits relative to the inbound course.
Why Pilots Care
Knowing which side is the holding side determines which entry procedure to use and which way to turn. Drifting onto the non-holding side can put the aircraft into airspace that is not protected for holding traffic.
Grounding Statement
Picture the inbound course as a straight line to the holding point; the holding side is the side of that line where the holding pattern is built.
Intuition Check
Do not read holding side as just any side near the airplane. In holding procedures, it means the specific side of the inbound course where the holding pattern is assigned to be flown.
Example Sentence 1
Because the fix was approached from the holding side, the pilot used a direct entry and turned right to track outbound.
Example Sentence 2
The aircraft remains on the holding side throughout the procedure to stay inside protected airspace.