Plain English Meaning
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.
Full 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.
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.