Which holding entry technique involves a teardrop path?

Which holding entry technique involves a teardrop path?

• A. Teardrop
• B. Direct
• C. Parallel
• D. Offset

Answer: (A)

The holding-entry that uses a teardrop path is chosen when you cross the fix from a sector that requires you to reverse course away from the inbound leg. After crossing the fix, you fly outbound on a heading offset from the inbound course (to the side of the hold outside the sector), then turn back toward the inbound course to intercept it. This outward leg and the subsequent turn back create a teardrop-shaped path on the chart, which is why this entry is called a teardrop entry. It’s the best fit for joining the hold from that particular arrival angle because it efficiently positions you to intercept the inbound leg without flying back over the fix or along the inbound course first. Direct entry would start outbound on the inbound course, parallel would have you fly outbound parallel to the inbound, and an “offset” entry isn’t a standard term for holding entries.

The holding-entry that uses a teardrop path is chosen when you cross the fix from a sector that requires you to reverse course away from the inbound leg. After crossing the fix, you fly outbound on a heading offset from the inbound course (to the side of the hold outside the sector), then turn back toward the inbound course to intercept it. This outward leg and the subsequent turn back create a teardrop-shaped path on the chart, which is why this entry is called a teardrop entry. It’s the best fit for joining the hold from that particular arrival angle because it efficiently positions you to intercept the inbound leg without flying back over the fix or along the inbound course first. Direct entry would start outbound on the inbound course, parallel would have you fly outbound parallel to the inbound, and an “offset” entry isn’t a standard term for holding entries.