ATC Clearances and Holding Procedures practice questions

Answer: A) 230 KIAS

• ACorrect. Below 6,000 feet the limit is 200 KIAS.
• BIncorrect. That applies at or below 6,000 feet.
• CIncorrect. That applies above 14,000 feet.
• DIncorrect. That isn't the standard limit.

Answer: D) 1.5 minutes

• AIncorrect. The standard is 1.5.
• BIncorrect. That is at or below 14,000.
• CIncorrect. The standard is 1.5.
• DCorrect. Above 14,000 MSL, inbound legs are 1½ minutes.

Answer: D) Climb when desired and level off at interim altitudes

• AIncorrect. The climb is already authorized.
• BIncorrect. The pilot chooses when to start.
• CIncorrect. The pilot must stay at or below 9,000.
• DCorrect. The pilot can't return to a vacated altitude.

Answer: A) Direction of holding from the fix, the holding fix, the holding course or radial, and an expect further clearance time

A full holding clearance gives the direction of holding from the fix, the fix, the course or radial, and an EFC time. Leg length is added for DME or RNAV holds, and turn direction only for left turns.

• ACorrect. Holding instructions include the direction of holding from the fix, the fix, and the radial or course to hold on. They also include an EFC time. Leg length is added if DME or RNAV is used, and turn direction is added only for left turns.
• BIncorrect. ATC does not assign the entry procedure; the pilot chooses it. The maximum holding speeds are set by regulation and procedure, not issued as a routine part of the clearance.
• CIncorrect. Turn direction is stated only if left (non-standard) turns are required, so right turns are not stated. Fuel remaining is something the pilot may report, not part of a holding clearance.
• DIncorrect. A holding clearance does not routinely include a minimum holding altitude or a required time to report entering the hold. The EFC time and the holding course are the standard items.

Answer: D) 200 KIAS

• AIncorrect. This is not a holding limit.
• BIncorrect. That applies from 6,001 to 14,000 feet.
• CIncorrect. That applies above 14,000 feet.
• DCorrect. Holding speed is limited to 200 KIAS through 6,000 feet MSL.

Answer: A) Start down when desired, but cross DUMMY at 8,000 feet

• ACorrect. The crossing restriction still applies.
• BIncorrect. The pilot may choose when to start.
• CIncorrect. The airplane must cross at 8,000.
• DIncorrect. No hold is required.

Answer: C) Return to the previous frequency

• AIncorrect. The pilot should try to reestablish contact.
• BIncorrect. That's not the first step.
• CCorrect. The previous controller can help.
• DIncorrect. That isn't necessary at first.

Answer: A) Request a deviation, such as "20° left for weather"

• ACorrect. ATC will approve or offer alternatives.
• BIncorrect. ATC must be informed.
• CIncorrect. That isn't the procedure.
• DIncorrect. That may be unsafe.

Answer: D) Right turns, 1-minute legs

• AIncorrect. This is not standard.
• BIncorrect. Left turns are non-standard.
• CIncorrect. 1.5-minute legs apply above 14,000 MSL.
• DCorrect. Standard holds have right turns and 1-minute inbound legs at or below 14,000 MSL.

Answer: B) ID, position, time, altitude, ETA and next fix

• AIncorrect. A full report is required.
• BCorrect. These let ATC separate traffic.
• CIncorrect. These aren't part of a position report.
• DIncorrect. These aren't included.