Instrument Rating Checkride Practice Test

At what altitude should the inbound leg of a hold ideally take 1 minute?

1. Above 14,000' MSL

2. At or below 14,000' MSL

3. Up to 6000' MSL

4. From 6001' to 14,000' MSL

The correct answer is: At or below 14,000' MSL

The ideal altitude for the inbound leg of a hold to take 1 minute is at or below 14,000 feet MSL. This standard is in place to ensure consistent timing for the holding pattern, which is essential for maintaining proper separation and ensuring that the aircraft can navigate in a precise manner while in the holding pattern. At or below 14,000 feet MSL, the standard turn rate is set to approximately 3 minutes for a complete hold, which translates to 1 minute for the outbound leg and 1 minute for the inbound leg, assuming the turn is initiated at the end of the outbound leg. This timing allows for the use of a standard rate turn, providing pilots with predictable and consistent patterns that can be more easily managed. For altitudes above 14,000 feet, the timing may differ due to various factors such as airspeed and wind conditions, which can affect the rate of turn and resultant time in the hold. Therefore, holding patterns above this altitude may not result in a 1-minute leg consistently, making it less reliable for pilots to adhere to the standard timing procedures necessary for instrument flying. This distinction helps pilots ensure they are executing holds correctly and at the appropriate altitudes for effective navigation and timing management.