Speed Limits
Maximum holding speeds are established to keep aircraft within the protected holding area during their one-minute inbound and outbound legs. For civil aircraft (not military) in the United States, these airspeeds are:
- Up to 6,000 ft MSL: 200 KIAS
- From 6,001 to 14,000 ft MSL: 230 KIAS
- 14,001 ft MSL and above: 265 KIAS
The ICAO Maximum holding speeds:
- Up to 14000 ft: 230kts
- 14000 ft to 20000 ft: 240kts
- 20000 ft to 34000 ft: 265kts
- Above 34000 ft: M0.83
With their higher performance characteristics, military aircraft have higher holding speed limits.
In Canada the speeds are:
- All propeller including turboprop aircraft - MHA† to 30,000 ft (9,100 m): 175 kn (324 km/h; 201 mph)
- Civilian Jet - MHA to 14,000 ft (4,300 m): 230 kn (426 km/h; 265 mph)
- Above 14000 ft: 265 kn (491 km/h; 305 mph)
- Climbing during the hold:
- turboprop - normal climb speed
- Jet aircraft - 310 kn (574 km/h; 357 mph) maximum
†MHA – Minimum Holding Altitude
Read more about this topic: Holding (aviation)
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