Holding Pattern Calculator

Enter the inbound course, your aircraft heading, and the turn direction to instantly determine the correct holding pattern entry — direct, parallel, or teardrop.

Hold parameters
Enter the published holding course and your current heading.

The published holding course — the magnetic track flown to the fix on the inbound leg.

Your current heading at the fix.

Recommended entry
Teardrop Entry

Cross the fix and turn right onto a heading 30° offset from the outbound course, on the holding side. Hold for one leg (1 min ≤ 14,000 ft, 1.5 min above), then turn right to intercept the inbound course back to the fix.

Inbound
000°
Heading
200°
Leg time
1 min
Max speed (ICAO A)
175 / 230 KIAS FAA
Sector diagram
Inbound course shown pointing up; aircraft is positioned in the direction it's coming from.
FIX200° relNteardropdirectparallel
  • direct
  • parallel
  • teardrop

Inbound 360°, heading 200°, right hold recommended entry: teardrop entry.