"Ask ATC" Blog

Hold On

One of the first phraseologies an IFR pilot learns is a holding clearance. While no one likes holding, they are rehearsed over and over again during the course of an IFR training program. Then like most things in training, once the students get into the real world, holding phraseology falls by the wayside unless it is regularly used.

There are several phases of flight during which a pilot may hold. These may include outer "bedposts" to meter the flow of traffic into a busy terminal airspace and holding at the final approach or intermediate approach fix while other aircraft arrive or depart. At times, in remote environments with no radar (also known as procedural environments) the pilot may be issued an enroute holding clearance that he or she will never enter. The purpose of this instruction is usually to "prove" separation with another aircraft until another standard, such as vertical separation exists.

So to review holding phraseology, a clearance will usually be given in the following order:  

 

1) Aircraft Identification

2) Clearance limit

3) Altitude to hold

4) Direction and/or track to hold.

5) Time to expect further clearance.

Example:

N345GT, cleared direct the Brooks NDB, descend and maintain 8,000, hold West, inbound on the localizer, expect approach clearance at 13:15."

There is nothing worse than feeling uncomfortable with a clearance issued by ATC. If you practice the phraseology, these occasions will be few and far between. At ATCreadback, we are dedicated to providing the most realistic Aviation English and Communication Training available.  Our premium members enjoy the benefit of hundreds of real world air traffic control clearances and instructions with which to practice.