Definition
A holding fix that is depicted on an instrument approach chart, en route chart, standard terminal arrival, or other FAA chart, with a holding pattern printed alongside it showing the inbound course, turn direction, and leg length to be flown if holding is required at that fix.
Plain English
A specific point in the sky, shown on an aviation chart, where pilots are expected to fly a printed racetrack-shaped pattern if they are told to hold there or end up there without further instructions.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument approach charts, missed approach instructions, and route charts when a pilot may need to hold at a named point.
Derivation
Published means printed on an official chart for everyone to see and use. Fix comes from the idea of a fixed, identifiable position in space. Together: a holding location whose pattern details are already printed, so a pilot does not have to be told them over the radio.
Why Pilots Care
Provides a known, ATC-coordinated location that maintains separation and allows safe waiting until conditions permit continuation.
Intuition Check
Do not read fix as something being repaired. In aviation, a fix is a known position. Do not read published as merely announced; here it means shown in an approved chart or procedure.
Example Sentence 1
Cleared to MERIT, hold as published, expect further clearance at 1815 Zulu.
Example Sentence 2
During the IIMC encounter, ATC instructed the aircraft to hold at the published holding fix until further notice.