Menu
PlaneEnglish
0
  • Products
    • ARSim
    • Manual
    • ATSim
    • ARSim VFR+IFR Access & Companion Manual
    • The Easy Route to Aviation Radio Proficiency
    • VFR + IFR 12 Months
  • Resources
    • WINGS
    • Institutions
    • Airport Request
    • Tutorials
    • Learning Resources
    • FAQ
    • About Us
    • LMS Dashboard
    • ARSim Web
  • Pricing
  • Blog
  • Press
  • Your Cart is Empty
PlaneEnglish
  • Products
    • ARSim
    • Manual
    • ATSim
    • ARSim VFR+IFR Access & Companion Manual
    • The Easy Route to Aviation Radio Proficiency
    • VFR + IFR 12 Months
  • Resources
    • WINGS
    • Institutions
    • Airport Request
    • Tutorials
    • Learning Resources
    • FAQ
    • About Us
    • LMS Dashboard
    • ARSim Web
  • Pricing
  • Blog
  • Press
  • 0 0

UNIT SPOTLIGHT: Instrument Holds

Home   Aviation   UNIT SPOTLIGHT: Instrument Holds
TAGS:
ATC Aviation Communications

February 13, 2025

You’ve certainly heard the saying, hurry up and wait. Even in aviation, unforeseen circumstances can sometimes delay your landing at an airport (one of the many reasons pilots are expected to carry more fuel than is technically needed for the duration of the flight). 

However perfectly you execute your IFR flight from Destination A to Destination B, there are times when ATC will direct you to enter a holding pattern before clearing you to descend and land, to help with aircraft separation, to avoid bad weather or low visibility, or for other reasons. Understanding weather reports like METARs and ATIS can help you anticipate holding patterns, especially in adverse conditions.

Holding patterns are also sometimes required as the published termination of a missed approach. 

And, of course, pilots themselves can request a hold if they need additional time to complete abnormal or emergency checklist procedures.

It can be a lot, especially if you’re training for your instrument rating. You need to know the purpose and reasons for a hold, the components (including the holding fix, inbound and outbound legs, and protected airspace), how to enter a hold (what pattern to use, what speed to fly before crossing the holding fix), and more. 

4 images of HOLDS Unit lessons

Using simple illustrations and question prompts, the HOLDS unit in ARSim will walk you through holding patterns, hold entries, and hold communications step by step. When you’re done, to misquote Kenny Rogers, you’ll know when to hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em. And you’ll build the kind of situational awareness that will make you a safe, proficient, and long-lived pilot. 

 

  • Share:


Also in Aviation

PlaneEnglish ATC Communications Manual
ATC Aviation Communications Practice
Mastering Airspace: What Every Pilot Needs to Know to Stay Sharp on the Mic

May 16, 2025

Mastering Airspace: What Every Pilot Needs to Know
Navigating and communicating in Class B, C, D, and beyond doesn't have to be overwhelming. This guide breaks down each airspace type with real-world examples, ARSim practice links, and video tutorials to help you stay sharp on the mic—whether you're training or getting back in the cockpit.

Read More

Aviation Radio Simulator
ATC Communications IFR Phraseology Practice Technology Training VFR
Getting the most out of ARSim for your ATC Comms Training

March 19, 2025

This article provides tips on how to hit the ground running with ARSim and leverage the power under its hood so you can become proficient on your aircraft’s radio faster and learn to communicate with ATC and other air traffic more confidently sooner.

Read More

Airport runway signs and markings
Aviation Position Practice Safety School Simulators Standards Training
UNIT SPOTLIGHT: Know Your Airport Signs and Markings

January 16, 2025

Misinterpreting airport signs and markings can lead to serious safety risks due to pilot errors. The AIRPORT unit in ARSim covers essential airport signage, lighting, and interactive quizzes to improve situational awareness and safety.

Read More

About The Blog

PlaneEnglish created this blog to provide aspiring and current pilots a resource for all things related to aviation radio communication.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Subscribe to our e-newsletter on aviation, comms and other industry information.

Free Template

Free Kneeboard

Topics

ATC
,
Aviation
,
Communications
,
Emergency
,
Equipment
,
Etiquette
,
Handoff
,
IFR
,
International
,
Interview
,
Language
,
Phraseology
,
Position
,
Practice
,
Radio Handshake
,
Safety
,
School
,
Simulators
,
Standards
,
Technology
,
Training
,
VFR
,

Referrals

Would you like to secure a discount for your flying club or are you a CFI who would like to recommend PlaneEnglish to your students at a discount? If the answer is yes, then email:
service@PlaneEnglishSIM.com

Resources

  • FAA Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), Chapter 4 Section 2 Radio Communications Phraseology and Techniques
  • FAA Pilot/Controller Glossary
  • FAA Radio Communications Phraseology and Techniques – P-8740-47
  • FAA  Air Traffic Organization Policy – Air Traffic Control – JO7110.65Y
  • FAA Safety Briefing Aviation Communication May/June 2020 
  • FAA Pilots Portal
  • NATCA – Pilot-Controller Communications

Featured Products

  • ARSim VFR+IFR Access & Companion Manual
  • The Easy Route to Aviation Radio Proficiency
  • Aviation Radio Simulator Software from PlaneEnglish: VFR + IFR 12 Months

  • FAQ
  • Media Kit
  • Refund Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Disclaimer
  • Contact

Sign up to our mailing list and stay in the loop for product tips and offers.

PlaneEnglish Logo

1281 Win Hentschel Boulevard

West Lafayette, IN

47906

Follow Us

This site and its contents ©2025 PlaneEnglish, LLC

Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.