Definition
A holding pattern published on an instrument approach chart that is flown in place of a procedure turn to reverse course and align the aircraft with the final approach course. When charted with the holding-in-lieu-of-procedure-turn symbol, the pattern is a required course reversal maneuver, flown on the depicted inbound course, at the charted altitude, and within the depicted leg lengths or timing.
Plain English
It's a racetrack-shaped pattern shown on an approach chart that pilots fly to turn around and line up with the final approach. It replaces the older barb-shaped procedure turn and must be flown the way it's drawn — same direction, same altitude, same size.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument approach charts, especially where a holding pattern is published in place of a normal procedure turn.
Derivation
Procedure comes from a Latin word meaning “to go forward” or “to proceed,” and in aviation it means a prescribed way to do something. That helps here because this is not just any holding pattern; it is the charted method for turning around during the approach.
Why Pilots Care
It provides a published, protected method to reverse course and descend without requiring a separate procedure turn segment, reducing workload and ensuring obstacle clearance.
Intuition Check
Do not read “holding pattern” here as simply waiting in the air. In this term, the holding-pattern shape is being used as the published turn-around maneuver for the approach.
Example Sentence 1
Cleared for the approach, the pilot entered the procedure turn holding pattern, completed one circuit, and rolled out inbound on the final approach course.
Example Sentence 2
When the approach plate shows holding in lieu of procedure turn, the crew enters the procedure turn holding pattern on the published inbound leg.