Definition
A course reversal maneuver in which the aircraft departs the fix outbound on a track offset from the inbound course (typically by about 30 degrees), flies for a specified time or distance, then turns back to intercept the inbound course. The flight path traced over the ground resembles the shape of a teardrop.
Plain English
A way of turning around to head back to a point. The pilot flies out at a slight angle from the path they want to end up on, then makes one turn that brings them back onto that path. The shape drawn on the ground looks like a teardrop.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument approach and course-reversal discussions, especially when a chart or instructor describes how to leave a fix and return inbound.
Derivation
Named for the visual shape of the ground track. The outbound leg, the turn, and the inbound leg together form a curve that comes to a point at the fix, like a teardrop.
Why Pilots Care
Correct use keeps the aircraft inside protected airspace and establishes the hold efficiently without excessive maneuvering.
Intuition Check
Do not read “pattern” here as a normal airport traffic pattern. A teardrop pattern is an instrument procedure shape used to turn the airplane back toward a course, not a rectangular pattern around a runway.
Example Sentence 1
After crossing the fix, the pilot flew a teardrop pattern, tracking outbound 30 degrees off the inbound course for one minute before turning to intercept.
Example Sentence 2
Executing the teardrop pattern allowed the aircraft to intercept the inbound course within one minute of the fix.