Plain English Meaning

A way to enter a holding pattern by flying out from the fix at a 30-degree angle, then turning back to join the racetrack-shaped pattern. It is shaped like a teardrop on the chart.

Full Definition

One of three standard methods for entering a holding pattern, used when the aircraft approaches the holding fix from a direction roughly opposite the outbound leg. The pilot crosses the fix, turns to a heading 30 degrees offset from the outbound course (toward the holding side), flies that heading for one minute (or the published leg length), then turns in the direction of the holding pattern to intercept the inbound course back to the fix.