Plain English Meaning

A way of joining a holding pattern by first flying out from the fix at a slight angle, then turning back toward the inbound course so you slot smoothly into the racetrack pattern. The outbound and turning path traces a teardrop shape on the chart.

Full Definition

One of three standard methods for entering a holding pattern, used when the aircraft arrives at the holding fix from a heading that falls within roughly 70 degrees on the holding side of the inbound course. The pilot flies outbound from the fix on a track of 30 degrees offset from the reciprocal of the inbound holding course (offset toward the holding side), continues for the appropriate or distance, then in the direction of the holding pattern to intercept the inbound course back to the fix.