In SVFR holding, what speed and leg length are used?

In SVFR holding, what speed and leg length are used?

• A. 120 KIAS with 2 mile legs
• B. 80 KIAS with 1 mile legs
• C. 100 KIAS with 1.5 mile legs
• D. 90 KIAS with 0.5 mile legs

Answer: (B)

SVFR holding is designed to keep traffic tight and under visual separation in the terminal area, so the pattern uses a slow speed and short legs. Flying at 80 KIAS keeps the helicopter well within a manageable, controllable envelope in the vicinity of the airport, making it easier to see and avoid other traffic and to respond quickly if ATC needs to re-sequence you. The 1 mile leg length provides a compact racetrack that fits within typical SVFR holding expectations and allows precise turns without causing large drift or overshoot. The other options would require more distance and higher speed, which reduces your ability to maintain visual reference and quickly adjust position in a busy SVFR environment.

SVFR holding is designed to keep traffic tight and under visual separation in the terminal area, so the pattern uses a slow speed and short legs. Flying at 80 KIAS keeps the helicopter well within a manageable, controllable envelope in the vicinity of the airport, making it easier to see and avoid other traffic and to respond quickly if ATC needs to re-sequence you. The 1 mile leg length provides a compact racetrack that fits within typical SVFR holding expectations and allows precise turns without causing large drift or overshoot. The other options would require more distance and higher speed, which reduces your ability to maintain visual reference and quickly adjust position in a busy SVFR environment.