What is the maximum holding speed at 15,000 feet?

What is the maximum holding speed at 15,000 feet?

• A. 180 knots
• B. 265 knots
• C. 210 knots
• D. 400 knots

Answer: (B)

Holding speeds are published in bands by altitude. As you climb, the maximum speed allowed in a holding pattern increases to keep turns controllable and predictable in thinner air. The standard brackets are: up to 6,000 ft, 200 knots; from 6,001 to 14,000 ft, 230 knots; and at 14,001 ft and above, 265 knots. At 15,000 ft you fall into the highest band, so the maximum holding speed is 265 knots. The other speeds listed don’t match these official limits: 180 and 210 correspond to lower-altitude holds, and 400 knots is well beyond the published maximum for holds.

Holding speeds are published in bands by altitude. As you climb, the maximum speed allowed in a holding pattern increases to keep turns controllable and predictable in thinner air. The standard brackets are: up to 6,000 ft, 200 knots; from 6,001 to 14,000 ft, 230 knots; and at 14,001 ft and above, 265 knots. At 15,000 ft you fall into the highest band, so the maximum holding speed is 265 knots. The other speeds listed don’t match these official limits: 180 and 210 correspond to lower-altitude holds, and 400 knots is well beyond the published maximum for holds.