MAXIMUM HOLDING SPEED
As you have seen, the size of the holding pattern is
directly proportional to the speed of the airplane. In
order to limit the amount of airspace that must be protected
by ATC, maximum holding speeds in knots indicated airspeed (KIAS) have been designated for
specific altitude ranges [Figure 3-30]. Even so, some
holding patterns may have additional speed restrictions
to keep faster airplanes from flying out of the protected
area. If a holding pattern has a nonstandard speed
restriction, it will be depicted by an icon with the limiting
airspeed. If the holding speed limit is less than you
feel is necessary, you should advise ATC of your
revised holding speed. Also, if your indicated airspeed
exceeds the applicable maximum holding speed, ATC
expects you to slow to the speed limit within three minutes
of your ETA at the holding fix. Often pilots can
avoid flying a holding pattern, or reduce the length of
time spent in the holding pattern, by slowing down on
the way to the holding fix.
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