Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Hold instructions are one of the most common stumbling blocks on the IFR checkride. Many instrument students try to memorize the FAA’s hold entry diagram… but in the cockpit that method can be slow and confusing.
In this lesson you'll learn a simple visualization trick that lets you determine the correct hold entry instantly, without doing math or memorizing complicated rules.
We’ll walk through a real ATC instruction:
“Hold southwest of the VOR on the 240 radial.”
From there you'll see how to:
• Visualize the hold using your heading indicator
• Quickly determine whether it’s a direct, parallel, or teardrop entry
• Choose the entry that requires the least maneuvering
• Stay safely within protected holding airspace
This technique works extremely well in the actual airplane, especially during high workload IFR operations.
If you're preparing for your instrument checkride, or just want to sharpen your IFR skills, this method can make hold entries much easier.
Want to Master IFR Flying?
Our complete IFR Ground School walks you through everything from regulations and procedures to real-world instrument flying techniques.
👉 Check it out here: flight-insight.com/ifr
Hold instructions are one of the most common stumbling blocks on the IFR checkride. Many instrument students try to memorize the FAA’s hold entry diagram… but in the cockpit that method can be slow and confusing.
In this lesson you'll learn a simple visualization trick that lets you determine the correct hold entry instantly, without doing math or memorizing complicated rules.
We’ll walk through a real ATC instruction:
“Hold southwest of the VOR on the 240 radial.”
From there you'll see how to:
• Visualize the hold using your heading indicator
• Quickly determine whether it’s a direct, parallel, or teardrop entry
• Choose the entry that requires the least maneuvering
• Stay safely within protected holding airspace
This technique works extremely well in the actual airplane, especially during high workload IFR operations.
If you're preparing for your instrument checkride, or just want to sharpen your IFR skills, this method can make hold entries much easier.
Want to Master IFR Flying?
Our complete IFR Ground School walks you through everything from regulations and procedures to real-world instrument flying techniques.
👉 Check it out here: flight-insight.com/ifr
