Definition
In a holding pattern, the outbound end is the far end of the racetrack-shaped pattern — the point where the aircraft completes the outbound leg and begins the turn back toward the holding fix. It is opposite the holding fix end of the pattern.
Plain English
It's the far end of the holding pattern — the point furthest from the fix, where you finish flying away from it and start turning back toward it.
Context Anchor
Seen in holding-pattern diagrams and instructions, especially when learning the standard racetrack-shaped hold with no wind.
Derivation
‘Outbound’ means moving away from a reference point — here, the holding fix. The outbound end is simply the end of the pattern reached while flying away from that fix.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots use the outbound end as the reference for completing the outbound leg timing before turning inbound.
Analogy
Think of a running track. The holding fix is the start/finish line at one end; the outbound end is the curve at the far end where runners turn back.
Intuition Check
Do not think of outbound end as the airport departure end or the end of a runway. In holding, it means the far end of the hold, where the outbound portion ends and the turn back begins.
Example Sentence 1
Reaching the outbound end of the hold, the pilot began a standard-rate turn back toward the fix.
Example Sentence 2
Timing for the outbound leg begins at the holding fix and ends when the aircraft arrives at the outbound end.