When should the Holding Brief be given?

When should the Holding Brief be given?

• A. After descent checks and/or DRAFT report (if DRAFT report was required).
• B. After descent checks.
• C. After the approach brief.
• D. Before descent checks.

Answer: (A)

The plan for holding is communicated once you’ve completed descent checks and, if a DRAFT report is required, after that report is reviewed. This timing matters because you want the holding plan to reflect the most current information—weather, traffic, fuel status, and any delay data. With those facts in hand, the crew can agree on the holding fix, the inbound course, the direction of turns, the leg length or expected time per leg, the holding altitude, and any timing or EFC expectations. Having this briefing after the descent checks ensures you’re prepared for a possible hold before you reach the fix or need to enter the hold, reducing confusion and keeping the approach flow safe. If a DRAFT report is part of the procedure, waiting until it’s reviewed is important because it may change how long you expect to hold or what conditions you’ll face. Briefing holding too early risks basing the plan on outdated information, while briefing too late could leave the crew scrambling once a hold becomes necessary. In short, the Holding Brief should come after descent checks and after the DRAFT information is available so the plan is accurate and usable for coordination.