Instrument Rating Checkride Practice Test

The three types of holding entries — direct, parallel, and teardrop — are essential for pilots to understand when managing holding patterns during flight.

The direct entry is the simplest form of holding, where the aircraft enters the holding pattern by directly turning onto the inbound course and immediately flying towards the fix. This method is typically used when the aircraft is approaching the holding fix from an angle that allows for a straightforward entry.

The parallel entry involves flying parallel to the inbound leg of the holding pattern for a brief distance before turning back to intercept the inbound course. This is useful when the aircraft approaches the holding fix from a heading that requires the pilot to initially fly away from the fix before the turn back to the inbound course.

The teardrop entry is employed when the aircraft arrives at the holding fix at an angle, allowing the pilot to turn away from the inbound course to create a "teardrop" pattern before making a turn back towards the fix. This technique is particularly useful when the aircraft arrives at the holding fix at a relatively acute angle, granting a smoother entry into the holding pattern.

Understanding these three types of entries allows pilots to effectively navigate holding patterns and ensure they maintain the correct airspace and altitude, which is critical for safety and compliance