Instrument Rating Checkride Practice Test

The characteristic of a parallel holding entry is that the aircraft will turn to a heading that parallels the holding course. This allows the pilot to maintain a consistent distance from the holding pattern while establishing themselves in the holding pattern.

When performing a parallel entry, the aircraft first flies away from the holding fix on a heading that is approximately opposite to the course heading before making the turn to parallel the inbound leg. This approach helps the pilot effectively align with the holding pattern before beginning the actual orbit within the holding pattern. It’s a method designed to set up for subsequent turns into the hold and enhances situational awareness regarding the positioning relative to the holding fix.

In this context, the other options do not accurately describe the characteristics of a parallel holding entry. For instance, timing typically does not begin at the fix for a parallel entry, nor does the parallel entry dictate a specific time limit or turning parameters after a given duration or distance.