ATC will provide complete hold instructions at a non-charted fix, including fix, radial, direction of turns, leg length or timing, and the expect further clearance time.
When Air Traffic Control (ATC) requests a hold at a fix where the holding pattern is not charted, they will provide specific instructions that include the following information:
- The fix to hold over (this could be a navigational aid or a GPS waypoint).
- The radial, course or bearing on which to hold.
- The direction of turns in the hold (standard right turns or non-standard left turns).
- The leg length in nautical miles or the timing for each leg of the hold (usually one minute at or below 14,000 feet and one and one-half minutes above 14,000 feet).
- EFC time (Expect Further Clearance time) - giving pilots a time they can expect to receive clearance from the hold.
So, when given instructions for an unpublished hold, pilots are expected to note these details accurately to maintain the safety and efficiency of the airspace.