Holding pattern leg distance
Many holding patterns use time to define the inbound leg, while some RNAV holds use published distances. Converting a timed leg into approximate nautical miles helps pilots understand how far the airplane is moving during each segment of the pattern.
Distance from time and groundspeed
Distance in nautical miles = groundspeed in knots × time in minutes ÷ 60. At 120 knots groundspeed, a one-minute segment covers about 2 NM. At 90 knots, one minute covers about 1.5 NM.
Why this is only an estimate
A holding pattern is not normally flown by trying to make every leg a fixed distance. Wind changes groundspeed and drift, and the protected holding area is based on procedure design criteria. Timed-leg calculations are best used for understanding scale and checking reasonableness.
Inbound timing and wind correction
In a wind, the outbound leg may need timing adjustment so the following inbound leg meets the desired timing. A strong headwind inbound lowers groundspeed and lengthens time for a given distance. A tailwind inbound does the opposite. Drift correction also changes the pattern's shape.
Standard-rate turns add distance
The total distance around a hold is more than the straight inbound and outbound legs because the airplane also travels through the turns. Turn radius depends on true airspeed and bank angle, so faster aircraft use more airspace.
Timed versus distance-based holds
Modern procedures may specify distance rather than time for certain holding legs. Always fly the clearance and published procedure. Do not substitute a timed-leg rule for a distance-defined hold or vice versa.
Fuel-planning use
Understanding approximate holding distance and time can help with fuel planning. Fuel planning should still be based on time, expected fuel flow, reserves, and operational requirements rather than the geometric size of the pattern alone.
Related PilotDesk tools
Rate of turn · Turn radius · Endurance & range
Use the published hold first
This calculation estimates distance traveled during a selected time: groundspeed in knots divided by 60 gives nautical miles per minute. A 90 kt groundspeed covers about 1.5 NM in one minute. Wind changes groundspeed on each leg, so equal outbound and inbound times do not necessarily produce equal distances.
This geometry does not define protected holding airspace or replace a charted pattern, ATC clearance, holding speed limit, or RNAV system procedure. Follow the current chart and clearance. See the FAA Aeronautical Information Manual, Section 5-3 for holding procedures.