Pilot Institute

JUNE 9, 2025

Today we will explain airplane holding patterns in detail, answer some common questions, and even teach you a few ‘hacks’ to make flying a hold a real breeze. A holding procedure is when an airplane flies in a pattern to maintain its geographic location using its onboard navigational instruments. Here’s why airplanes take up the hold.

Airplanes 52

Airplanes Crosswind Approach Knot 52

Flying Magazine

MAY 6, 2024

Subscribe Now Featured A) Two Radials Depicted From the STL VOR, there are two radials depicted that intersect with the final approach path—the R-144 and the R-194. Transitioning from the TOY VOR is also a heavy line radial along the R-261 and notes that no procedure turn would be needed (NoPT).

VOR 59

VOR Final Approach NDB Approach 59

Pilot Institute

FEBRUARY 22, 2025

Non-precision approaches (such as a localizer, VOR, LNAV, or NDB) use a Maltese cross for the FAF. Precision approaches (such as ILS) use a jagged arrow to mark the FAF. This is the point where you should intercept the ILS glideslope. At this point you should start descending to the Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA).

Approach 52

Approach Descent Runway Final Approach 52