During holding over a VOR, abeam is achieved when the aircraft crosses the radial offset of which value from the holding course?

During holding over a VOR, abeam is achieved when the aircraft crosses the radial offset of which value from the holding course?

• A. 90 degrees
• B. 45 degrees
• C. 180 degrees
• D. 270 degrees

Answer: (A)

Abeam means you are perpendicular to the holding course relative to the VOR. In a standard hold over a VOR, you become abeam when you cross the radial that sits 90 degrees away from the holding course. That perpendicular geometry is why you’re considered abeam the fix at this point. The other offsets don’t produce a right-angle relationship to the course: 180 degrees would put you on the line opposite the course, and 45 degrees (or the other non-90 offset options) would not place you perpendicular to the course. So the needed radial offset is 90 degrees.

Abeam means you are perpendicular to the holding course relative to the VOR. In a standard hold over a VOR, you become abeam when you cross the radial that sits 90 degrees away from the holding course. That perpendicular geometry is why you’re considered abeam the fix at this point. The other offsets don’t produce a right-angle relationship to the course: 180 degrees would put you on the line opposite the course, and 45 degrees (or the other non-90 offset options) would not place you perpendicular to the course. So the needed radial offset is 90 degrees.