Definition
In a holding pattern, the straight segment flown away from the holding fix, parallel to the inbound course and on the non-holding side of the racetrack. In a standard (no-wind) holding pattern, the outbound leg is timed for one minute at or below 14,000 feet MSL and one minute and 30 seconds above 14,000 feet MSL, beginning when the aircraft is abeam the fix or wings level after the outbound turn, whichever occurs later.
Plain English
The part of a holding pattern where you fly away from the fix in a straight line, before turning back to fly toward it again. It is one of the two long sides of the racetrack-shaped pattern.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument holding procedures, especially when reading diagrams or timing the standard holding pattern in no-wind conditions.
Derivation
Outbound' simply means heading out, away from a reference point. In holding, that reference point is the holding fix. The leg is called outbound because the aircraft is moving away from the fix during this segment.
Why Pilots Care
Correct timing and tracking on the outbound leg keeps the aircraft inside the protected airspace and ensures proper spacing for the inbound turn.
Intuition Check
Do not read outbound leg as any part of a flight going away from an airport. In holding, it means one specific straight section of the holding pattern: the part flown away from the holding fix before turning back.
Example Sentence 1
After crossing the holding fix, she turned right and started timing the one-minute outbound leg.
Example Sentence 2
Apply wind correction during the outbound leg so the inbound leg tracks directly to the fix.