Skip to content
ENExplore Calculators

Holding Pattern Time Calculator

Work out holding pattern time instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Holding Pattern Time Calculator

A standard holding pattern is two straight legs plus two 180 degree turns. Each rate one turn takes one minute, so pattern time is twice the leg time plus two minutes: a one minute leg gives a four minute racetrack. Fuel used is holding burn rate multiplied by total time.

Formula

Holding pattern

pattern time = 2 x leg time + 2 min (two rate one turns); fuel = burn x total time / 60

Worked example

With the default values below, Holding Pattern Time Calculator returns Total holding time of 16.00. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Outbound leg time
1 min
True airspeed
210 kt
Fuel burn while holding
900 per hour
Patterns to fly
4 circuits

Results

Total holding time
16.00 min
Fuel used holding
240.00
Time per pattern
4.00 min
Turn radius at 25 degrees bank
1.378 nm

Step by step

  1. 1Values used
  2. 2Holding pattern
  3. 3Total holding time= 16.00 min
  4. 4Fuel used holding= 240.00
  5. 5Time per pattern= 4.00 min
  6. 6Turn radius at 25 degrees bank= 1.378 nm

Assumptions and limits

  • The result is derived only from the 4 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
  • In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.
  • Figures are rounded for display to 3 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.
  • Aviation results are planning estimates only. Always verify take-off, landing, fuel, weight and balance figures against the certified Aircraft Flight Manual, current performance charts and applicable aviation regulations before flight.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Aviation results are planning estimates only. Always verify take-off, landing, fuel, weight and balance figures against the certified Aircraft Flight Manual, current performance charts and applicable aviation regulations before flight.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the leg 1.5 minutes?

Above 14,000 ft the standard outbound leg lengthens to 1.5 minutes, making a five minute circuit.

Does wind change the timing?

Yes. Timing is flown on the outbound leg, and pilots adjust it so the inbound leg comes out at the nominal time against the wind.

Related Calculators

Holding Pattern Time Calculator | Calcrivo