Plain English Meaning

It's a one-time loop in the shape of a holding pattern. You cross the fix, fly out, turn around, fly back, and the leg ends when you cross the fix again. One trip around — not a continuous hold.

Full Definition

An ARINC 424 path terminator leg, coded HF, that directs the aircraft to fly one complete holding-pattern circuit and end the leg back at the defining fix. Unlike a continuous hold, the HF leg is flown only once: the aircraft crosses the fix, flies the outbound leg, makes the procedure turn, intercepts the inbound course, and terminates the leg upon recrossing the fix. It is used in instrument procedures where a single course-reversal circuit is required for descent, alignment, or onto the next leg.