How long are legs in holding?

• A. 0.5 NM
• B. 2 NM
• C. 3 NM
• D. 1 NM

Answer: (D)

In a holding pattern, the leg length is the distance from the holding fix to the outbound point of the racetrack. For standard holds used in this course, that distance is defined as 1 nautical mile. This keeps the holding pattern compact and aligns with the expected timing and maneuvering for standard rate turns. If the leg were shorter, you wouldn’t have a proper outbound segment for the turn; if it were longer, the pattern would be larger than what standard holds teach. So the common, correct leg length is 1 NM.