Example: Holding pattern keeps aircraft circling before landing clearance
Definition
"The holding pattern" is an aviation term describing a predetermined racetrack-shaped flight path flown by aircraft while waiting for clearance to land or proceed. It helps manage air traffic by keeping planes safely separated and orderly before they approach an airport.
The term "the holding pattern" originates from early air traffic control practices where pilots had to 'hold' their position in the sky. 'Holding' refers to maintaining a steady, regulated flight path, while 'pattern' describes the repeated racetrack shape flown. Did you know this method was developed to avoid mid-air collisions and delays?
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"The holding pattern" appears in the Vocaplus list "English - Air travel & Aviation - (A1-C2) - set 1", containing 110 commonly used words.
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