Which drift correction technique is used when flying holds?

Which drift correction technique is used when flying holds?

• A. No drift correction
• B. Single drift
• C. Double drift
• D. Triple drift

Answer: (D)

When flying holds, wind pushes the airplane sideways, so you must actively compensate on every segment that makes up the pattern. The idea is to apply a wind correction to the heading not just on one part of the hold, but on all three components: the inbound leg, the outbound leg, and the transition (the turn between legs). Using a drift correction on all three parts keeps the ground track aligned with the intended tracks around the holding fix. If you only correct on one leg, the other leg will drift off course and the pattern won’t center on the fix. If you correct on two parts but ignore the turn, the transition itself will introduce error. Correcting on inbound, outbound, and the turn together provides the most accurate, stable hold under wind.

When flying holds, wind pushes the airplane sideways, so you must actively compensate on every segment that makes up the pattern. The idea is to apply a wind correction to the heading not just on one part of the hold, but on all three components: the inbound leg, the outbound leg, and the transition (the turn between legs).

Using a drift correction on all three parts keeps the ground track aligned with the intended tracks around the holding fix. If you only correct on one leg, the other leg will drift off course and the pattern won’t center on the fix. If you correct on two parts but ignore the turn, the transition itself will introduce error. Correcting on inbound, outbound, and the turn together provides the most accurate, stable hold under wind.