What are the three types of orbits in a holding pattern?

What are the three types of orbits in a holding pattern?

• A. Entry, No-Wind, and Correction
• B. Direct, Teardrop, and Parallel
• C. Standard, Nonstandard, and Mixed
• D. Left-hand, Right-hand, and Mixed

Answer: (A)

When joining a published holding pattern, you determine the approach to the hold by one of three entry methods: direct, teardrop, or parallel. These describe how you transition from crossing the holding fix to being established on the outbound and then inbound legs. Direct entry means you turn to the outbound leg immediately after crossing the fix and begin the hold. It’s the simplest path when your approach line already aligns with the hold course. Teardrop entry involves flying a teardrop course after crossing the fix—an offset path that directs you to a point on the far side of the hold before you intercept the outbound leg. This lets you join the hold from angles that aren’t directly aligned with the outbound course. Parallel entry starts by flying the outbound leg on the hold course, effectively running parallel to the inbound course for a short time, then turning to intercept the inbound leg on the opposite side. This is used when you’re coming from a position that’s not suited for the direct or teardrop join. Notes: the terms left-hand, right-hand, and mixed describe the pattern’s turn direction (the geometry of the hold itself), not the entry method. The concepts above are the standard ways pilots join a hold.

When joining a published holding pattern, you determine the approach to the hold by one of three entry methods: direct, teardrop, or parallel. These describe how you transition from crossing the holding fix to being established on the outbound and then inbound legs.

Direct entry means you turn to the outbound leg immediately after crossing the fix and begin the hold. It’s the simplest path when your approach line already aligns with the hold course.

Teardrop entry involves flying a teardrop course after crossing the fix—an offset path that directs you to a point on the far side of the hold before you intercept the outbound leg. This lets you join the hold from angles that aren’t directly aligned with the outbound course.

Parallel entry starts by flying the outbound leg on the hold course, effectively running parallel to the inbound course for a short time, then turning to intercept the inbound leg on the opposite side. This is used when you’re coming from a position that’s not suited for the direct or teardrop join.

Notes: the terms left-hand, right-hand, and mixed describe the pattern’s turn direction (the geometry of the hold itself), not the entry method. The concepts above are the standard ways pilots join a hold.