Learn why FSX ATC does not manage airborne holding patterns, how to fly one manually, and what the stock GPS and autopilot can and cannot do.
Default ATC in normal FSX and FSX: Steam Edition Free Flight cannot issue and manage a complete, realistic airborne holding pattern. You can fly a published or improvised hold manually, but the controller will not recognise the pattern, protect it from AI traffic, provide an expect-further-clearance time, or tell you when to leave.
Does default FSX ATC ever issue a holding clearance?
Not in ordinary Free Flight; it uses headings, vectors, altitude changes and approach clearances rather than traffic-delay holds. Busy AI traffic does not cause the controller to queue aircraft in published or unpublished holds. FSX: Steam Edition has the same limitation.
A scripted mission can imitate a hold because its dialogue and triggers are authored separately. A compatible ATC add-on or human controller can also issue one. A tower instruction to hold short is a ground-movement restriction, not an airborne holding pattern.
How does a holding pattern work?
A holding pattern is a repeated racetrack manoeuvre anchored to a navigation fix. A real holding clearance normally identifies the fix, the side on which to hold, the inbound course or radial, any non-standard left turns, and an expect-further-clearance time; it may also specify leg distance or other restrictions.
- Identify the fix and inbound course. Confirm the holding side, turn direction, altitude and whether the legs are timed or distance-based.
- Choose an entry. Cross the fix using a direct, parallel or teardrop entry as appropriate.
- Fly the outbound leg. Use right turns unless the procedure or clearance specifies left turns, then fly the published time or distance.
- Intercept the inbound course. Correct for wind so the aircraft tracks back to the fix rather than merely holding an indicated heading.
- Repeat or exit. In real operations, remain in the hold until cleared onwards. During offline FSX practice, you must decide when to leave because default ATC is not managing the pattern.
A common timed hold targets a one-minute inbound leg at or below 14,000 feet and one and a half minutes above that altitude, although the chart, clearance and applicable local procedure take precedence. Our worked explanation of hold entries, timing and wind correction covers the actual racetrack technique in greater depth.
Is a procedure turn the same as an ATC hold?
No. A hold-in-lieu of a procedure turn uses similar racetrack geometry, but its purpose is to reverse course and establish the aircraft on an instrument approach. A missed-approach hold is likewise part of a published procedure; neither means that FSX ATC has created a traffic-delay hold.
If the controller vectors you to final, do not add a procedure turn simply because one appears on the approach. Default ATC generally expects its assigned vector and approach clearance to be followed.
Can the FSX GPS or autopilot fly the hold?
The stock GPS and basic autopilot can assist with a manual hold, but they do not manage the complete manoeuvre automatically.
| Equipment | What it can help with | What it cannot do |
|---|---|---|
| Stock GPS | Navigate to the fix, display a desired course and, where implemented, use OBS mode to keep the waypoint active | Create and execute a general-purpose holding pattern automatically |
| Basic autopilot | Maintain altitude or heading and track an intercepted inbound course | Select the entry, time the legs, calculate wind correction or leave the hold |
| Advanced add-on FMS | Fly a coded or pilot-entered hold if that aircraft specifically supports it | Make default FSX ATC recognise or protect the hold |
A mistake we see constantly is expecting NAV mode to draw and fly the whole racetrack. In a stock aircraft, use heading mode and a timer for the turns and outbound leg, then intercept the inbound course manually or with NAV mode.
What happens if you fly an unrequested hold under IFR?
An unrequested hold normally looks like a failure to obey the clearance. FSX ATC may repeat its vector or route instruction and can eventually terminate IFR services, while AI aircraft may still be routed through the same area.
For uncomplicated practice, fly without an active IFR clearance or cancel IFR before deviating. Choose a safe altitude, remain clear of terrain and monitor AI traffic yourself. You can use the built-in Flight Planner to load a route and suitable navigation fixes, but loading a flight plan does not create a hold or make ATC aware of one.
How can you receive realistic holding instructions in FSX?
Realistic ATC-assigned holds require something other than the normal Free Flight controller.
- Scripted missions suit repeatable training scenarios with predetermined instructions.
- Compatible ATC add-ons can provide dynamic clearances, but confirm that the particular product supports airborne holds and your edition of FSX.
- Human-controlled ATC can issue complete holding clearances and release aircraft according to traffic, subject to the controller and service being used.
Our comparison of built-in, add-on and human-controlled ATC explains how those options differ in sequencing, clearances and pilot workload.