Holding Pattern Entry Procedures: Direct, Teardrop, and Parallel Explained

Holding patterns are one of the most stress-inducing topics for instrument students — not because the actual flying is difficult, but because figuring out the correct entry procedure under workload in the cockpit trips people up. In my experience as a CFII, students who struggle with holding entries almost always have the same problem: they're trying to visualize the entry in their head instead of using a systematic method. This guide explains all three entry types, the FAA sector criteria, and how to determine the right entry every time.

What Is a Holding Pattern?

A holding pattern is a racetrack-shaped flight path used to keep IFR traffic in a designated airspace while waiting for clearance to continue. ATC assigns holdings when traffic, weather, or airport conditions require a delay. You might also need to enter a published holding pattern during an instrument approach — particularly during a missed approach procedure.

The standard holding pattern is a right-turn pattern with one-minute legs (or 1.5 minutes above 14,000 feet MSL). Non-standard left-turn patterns are charted with the notation "LT" on approach plates and departure procedures. All holdings are defined by a fix (the point at which you cross and begin the pattern) and an inbound course (the course you fly toward the fix on the inbound leg).

The Three Entry Types

The FAA defines three standard holding pattern entries based on your aircraft's heading when you arrive at the holding fix. The goal of each entry is to get you established on the inbound course as efficiently as possible without overshooting the protected airspace.

1. Direct Entry

The simplest entry. You cross the fix and turn directly in the direction of the holding pattern (right for standard, left for non-standard) to fly the outbound leg. Direct entry is used when your aircraft's heading at the fix puts you in the direct entry sector — within 70° on the non-holding side and up to 110° on the holding side of the inbound course.

2. Teardrop Entry

Cross the fix, then turn to a heading that is approximately 30° offset from the outbound course on the holding side. Fly outbound for approximately one minute, then turn in the direction of the holding pattern to intercept the inbound course. This entry is used when your heading puts you in the teardrop sector — between 110° and 180° on the holding side of the inbound course for right-turn holds.

3. Parallel Entry

Cross the fix and turn to parallel the outbound course on the non-holding side. Fly outbound for approximately one minute, then turn toward the holding side and intercept the inbound course. This entry is used when your heading puts you in the parallel sector — on the non-holding side, more than 70° from the inbound course.

The FAA Sector Boundaries

The FAA AIM defines the entry sectors based on the angular difference between your aircraft heading at the fix and the holding inbound course. Here are the exact boundaries:

The signed angular difference is calculated as: Aircraft heading − Inbound course, then normalized to the range −180° to +180°. Positive values are to the right of the inbound course (the holding side for right-turn patterns), negative values are to the left.

A Step-by-Step Method That Always Works

Here's the systematic approach I teach all my instrument students:

1. Identify the inbound course. This is the course you fly toward the fix. If given an outbound course, add 180°.
2. Calculate the difference: Aircraft heading − Inbound course. If the result is more than 180, subtract 360. If less than −180, add 360.
3. Apply the sector rules for your turn direction to determine entry type.
4. Brief the entry out loud before you reach the fix. Say exactly what you'll do: "I'll cross the fix, turn right to 270, fly one minute, then turn right to intercept the inbound."

Timing in the Holding Pattern

Once established in the pattern, timing begins when you roll wings level on the outbound leg after completing the outbound turn. Adjust outbound leg timing to achieve one-minute inbound legs. If your inbound leg takes 1 minute 20 seconds, reduce your outbound time by 20 seconds on the next circuit. Wind correction: if you have a headwind on the inbound, you will have a tailwind on the outbound — shorten the outbound accordingly.