Definition
The highest indicated airspeed at which an aircraft may be flown while in a published or assigned holding pattern, expressed by the FAA in altitude bands: 200 KIAS at or below 6,000 feet MSL, 230 KIAS from above 6,000 feet up to and including 14,000 feet MSL, and 265 KIAS above 14,000 feet MSL, with specific exceptions for certain holding patterns and aircraft types.
Plain English
It is the fastest speed a pilot is allowed to fly while circling in a holding pattern. The limit changes depending on how high the aircraft is flying.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument flying when entering, flying, or planning a holding pattern on an approach chart or under an air traffic control clearance.
Derivation
Maximum comes from a Latin word meaning “greatest.” In this term, it means an upper limit, not a recommended or normal speed.
Why Pilots Care
Exceeding the limit can carry the aircraft outside the protected holding airspace, risking terrain or traffic conflicts.
Analogy
It is like a speed limit on a tight curved road. The limit is not there to tell you the best speed; it keeps the turn within the space available.
Grounding Statement
In a hold, more speed means more distance covered during each turn, so the pattern takes up more room.
Intuition Check
Do not read “maximum” as the speed you should fly. Here it means the highest speed you must not exceed in the hold.
Example Sentence 1
Climbing through 10,000 feet en route to the hold, the pilot slowed to 230 knots to stay within the maximum holding speed for that altitude.
Example Sentence 2
At 14,000 feet the crew used 230 knots, the maximum holding speed for that altitude.