Definition
The segment of a holding pattern flown toward the holding fix. It begins at the end of the turn from the outbound leg and ends when the aircraft crosses the fix. In a standard holding pattern, the inbound leg is flown on the published holding course and is timed (typically one minute at or below 14,000 feet MSL, one and a half minutes above) to establish the pattern's overall length.
Plain English
The part of a holding pattern where the airplane is flying back toward the point it's holding over.
Context Anchor
Seen when flying or studying instrument holding patterns, especially when correcting for wind and timing the hold.
Derivation
"Inbound" simply means heading toward something — in this case, toward the holding fix. "Leg" in aviation means one straight segment of a flight path. Together they describe the straight-in segment of the racetrack-shaped holding pattern.
Why Pilots Care
Correct identification ensures proper timing, wind correction, and staying within protected airspace.
Intuition Check
Do not assume inbound means toward the airport. In a holding pattern, inbound means toward the holding fix. Also, leg does not mean the whole pattern; it means one section of it.
Example Sentence 1
After completing the turn, the pilot rolled out on the inbound leg and started the timer as the aircraft crossed the holding fix.
Example Sentence 2
After the outbound leg, the aircraft turned inbound to begin the inbound leg of the hold.