Holding Pattern Entry
Inbound course + aircraft heading + turn direction → direct, teardrop, or parallel. AIM 5-3-8 sector math with a top-down diagram. Right and left holds both supported.
Inputs
The published holding course — what the chart says.
Your current magnetic heading as you approach the fix.
Diagram
Top-up view. Holding fix is the dot. Inbound course points toward the fix. Aircraft icon shows current heading. The chosen entry path is highlighted in rose.
Entry
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Enter inbound course and aircraft heading.
Aircraft heading measured clockwise from inbound course.
Sector reference
Right-turn (standard) holds: 70° teardrop sector on the holding side, 110° parallel sector on the non-holding side, 180° direct sector covering the rest. Left-turn holds mirror those sectors across the inbound course. Source: AIM 5-3-8 and the Instrument Procedures Handbook (FAA-H-8083-16B).
Pilot rule of thumb: draw the inbound course on your HSI, then look at where your present heading falls relative to that arrow. Within 70° of the inbound on the non-holding side? Parallel. Pointing back near the outbound on the holding side? Teardrop. Everywhere else? Direct.
Trim
Teaching holds? Trim logs the approaches and hold entries your students fly — building the 61.65(d) record as you go.
Flight training management for independent CFIs.