Definition
In a holding pattern, the elapsed time flown on the inbound leg toward the holding fix. At or below 14,000 feet MSL, the inbound leg is timed to be one minute; above 14,000 feet MSL, it is timed to be one and a half minutes. The outbound leg is then adjusted on subsequent circuits so that the inbound leg matches this target time, compensating for wind.
Plain English
It's how long you fly on the part of a holding pattern that points back toward the fix. You aim for one minute below 14,000 feet, or one and a half minutes above. You change the length of the other side of the pattern to make the inbound side come out right.
Context Anchor
Used in instrument holding procedures when setting or adjusting timing for each trip around the hold.
Derivation
Inbound means moving toward a point. Leg means one segment of a route or pattern. Time means the measured duration. Together, inbound leg time means the duration of the segment flown back toward the holding point.
Why Pilots Care
Accurate timing keeps the aircraft inside protected airspace and maintains required separation from other traffic.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as the total time for the whole holding pattern. It means only the timed segment flown back toward the holding fix.
Example Sentence 1
After crossing the holding fix, she started the clock and noted an inbound leg time of 48 seconds, so she lengthened the next outbound leg to bring the inbound back up to one minute.
Example Sentence 2
Precise inbound leg timing during the hold ensured the aircraft stayed within the protected airspace limits.