What is the default holding pattern turn direction when not specified?

What is the default holding pattern turn direction when not specified?

• A. Standard (Right)
• B. Standard (Left)
• C. Non-standard (Right)
• D. Direct entry

Answer: (A)

Right-turn patterns are the default in instrument holds. When a hold is designated as standard, the aircraft flies the pattern clockwise around the fix, so the turns are to the right unless the chart says non-standard (left) holds. If nothing about the turn direction is published, you should assume right-hand turns. Direct entry describes how you join a hold, not the direction of the turns, and non-standard holds are specifically published left-handed. So the expected default is a standard right-hand hold.

Right-turn patterns are the default in instrument holds. When a hold is designated as standard, the aircraft flies the pattern clockwise around the fix, so the turns are to the right unless the chart says non-standard (left) holds. If nothing about the turn direction is published, you should assume right-hand turns. Direct entry describes how you join a hold, not the direction of the turns, and non-standard holds are specifically published left-handed. So the expected default is a standard right-hand hold.