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8. Holding Procedures

8.1 General

Holding is used to delay aircraft when traffic demand exceeds available capacity or sequencing cannot be achieved immediately.

The Approach Controller shall use holding to maintain separation and manage traffic flow safely.

8.2 Purpose

The Approach Controller shall use holding to:

  • Manage excess traffic demand
  • Maintain safe separation
  • Provide time to establish sequencing
  • Regulate arrival flow

8.3 Standard Holding Pattern

A standard holding pattern consists of:

  • A racetrack pattern
  • A defined holding fix
  • An inbound track

The Approach Controller shall ensure aircraft enter and maintain the correct holding pattern.

8.4 Holding Entries

Aircraft may enter the hold using one of the following:

Entry Type Description
Direct Straight entry into the hold
Parallel Entry via outbound leg before turning inbound
Offset (Teardrop) Entry via angled outbound track

The Approach Controller shall:

  • Ensure aircraft are correctly positioned for entry
  • Monitor entry and correct if required

8.5 Controller Responsibilities

The Approach Controller shall:

  • Assign holding fix and level
  • Specify inbound track where required
  • Provide expected delay (EAT)
  • Manage vertical separation within the stack
  • Monitor aircraft within the hold

8.6 Holding Stack Management

The Approach Controller shall:

  • Assign different levels to aircraft in the hold
  • Maintain vertical separation
  • Sequence aircraft for exit

Stacking shall be orderly and clearly structured.

8.7 Exit from Holding

The Approach Controller shall:

  • Plan exit sequence in advance
  • Issue descent and vectoring instructions
  • Integrate aircraft into the arrival sequence

Aircraft shall not be released from holding unless sequencing and spacing can be maintained.

8.8 Limitations

The Approach Controller shall not:

  • Allow holding to become disorganised
  • Delay aircraft without clear sequencing intent
  • Release aircraft without ensuring separation

8.9 Holding Speed and Timing (Typical)

Level Max Speed Leg Time
≤ FL140 230 KT 1 min
FL140–FL200 240 KT 1 min
> FL200 265 KT 1.5 min

8.10 Key Principle

Holding is a traffic management tool.

The Approach Controller shall:

  • Use holding proactively
  • Maintain control of the sequence
  • Ensure safe and orderly release

Effective holding supports stable and efficient operations.