How holding instructions are recorded on the ACL using the Hold template

Outline in brief

• Start with why holding instructions need clear, official recording.

• Present the correct method: use the Hold template and display on the Aircraft Command List (ACL).

• Explain what the Hold template captures and why the ACL view matters.

• Bring it to life with a simple, relatable scenario.

• Mention common slip-ups and how this approach helps safety and efficiency.

• End with a practical, quick how-to and a few tips to keep things sharp.

Now, the article.

Holding patterns aren’t just loops in the sky. They’re real-time decisions that keep aircraft safe and on schedule. When you’re juggling multiple airplanes, the information about where to hold, for how long, and under what conditions has to be precise, accessible, and up-to-date. That’s why the radar SOPs emphasize a standardized method for recording holding instructions. The goal isn’t flashy; it’s about reducing confusion and keeping everyone on the same page, from the controller in the booth to the pilot in the cockpit.

The right tool for the job: Hold template plus ACL display

Here’s the bottom line: the holding instructions should be recorded using the Hold template and displayed on the Aircraft Command List (ACL). Why this combination? Because a template gives you a clear framework to capture the essentials. It’s like filling out a standardized form that asks the same questions every time—so nothing gets missed. And when that information is visible on the ACL, it’s available to all involved personnel in real time. No chasing down notes, no guessing about which hold is in play. Just a shared, trustworthy view of the situation.

Think of the Hold template as a compact recipe card. It asks for the kind of hold, how long it’s expected to last, the holding fix, any special timings or instructions, and who needs to know. The ACL is the kitchen counter where everyone can see the recipe and refer back to it while they’re cooking—err, sequencing aircraft—so to speak. If something changes, the template is updated, and the ACL updates with it. That continuity is what keeps the operation smooth and minimizes miscommunication.

What the Hold template typically covers

• Hold type and geometry: standard hold, teardrop, racetrack, or any requested pattern.

• Holding fix: the precise point or radar-defined location where the aircraft should hold.

• Duration or timing: how long the hold should last, and any timing constraints (for example, “hold until further clearance” or “hold for 15 minutes”).

• Instructions or restrictions: speed limits, lane assignments, altitude restrictions, entry methods, or other notes pilots need.

• Coordination notes: which sectors or controllers need to be aware, and what the pilot should expect next.

• Update mechanism: how changes are communicated and when the hold is considered current.

When you display this on the ACL, you gain a shared situational awareness. Controllers can see the entire picture at a glance—where each aircraft is in the hold, what the next clearance might be, and any potential conflicts. It’s not about piling on paperwork; it’s about clarity under pressure.

A quick scenario to connect the dots

Imagine two arrivals converging near a busy waypoint. One aircraft is entering a standard hold for sequencing; another needs a quick adjustment due to traffic. With the Hold template filled out and the ACL displaying the details, the team can quickly confirm:

• The hold type and the fix (so the pilot knows exactly where to slow and turn),

• The duration (so neither aircraft is kept waiting longer than necessary),

• The special instructions (perhaps a reduced speed or a specific altitude),

• Who’s responsible for updates (so no one is guessing who to call).

Pilots appreciate the consistency. Controllers appreciate the same. And the operation runs more predictably, which, in aviation terms, is the highest form of safety net you can get.

Common slips, and how this approach helps

• Verbal-only instructions: “Hold at the fix for a bit.” That’s easy to mishear, forget, or misinterpret under fatigue or radio fluctuations. The Hold template puts specifics front and center, and the ACL keeps them there for everyone in the loop.

• Notes scattered in different formats: sticky notes, scattered emails, or ad-hoc chalkboard reminders. Fragmented documentation creates gaps. A single Hold template, mirrored on the ACL, closes those gaps.

• Outdated information: rules change, conditions shift. If the ACL is updated in real time, the current hold stays current. No one ends up operating on yesterday’s clearance.

• Inconsistent terminology: one controller writes “hold,” another says “pattern” or “procedure.” A standardized template reduces variation in language and expectations.

Practical steps to put this into practice

• When to record: as soon as a hold decision is made, and any change to it should trigger an immediate update to the Hold template and the ACL.

• Who records: typically the controller responsible for the sector or the flight’s sequencing. If a supervisor or supervisor-in-the-loop is present, they can verify the entry for accuracy.

• What to include: fill in the essential fields in the Hold template—hold type, fix, duration, instructions, and coordination notes. Then ensure the ACL reflects those details clearly.

• How to display: keep the ACL view clean and readable. Use consistent abbreviations and avoid clutter. If the system allows, color-code holds that require urgent action or imminent clearance.

• Review and verify: before finalizing, skim the ACL to confirm that the hold aligns with other traffic, known constraints, and the expected clearance flow.

A few tips to keep things crisp

• Use plain, precise language. Short phrases beat long, ambiguous sentences in a high-stakes setting.

• Keep timing realistic. If a hold might extend, note the condition that would end it, so pilots won’t be guessing.

• Maintain invariants. The same hold template should be familiar across shifts so people don’t have to relearn the process every time.

• Include a quick recap for pilots. A one-line summary in the hold entry can be surprisingly helpful, especially during busy periods.

• Remember safety first. When in doubt, default to clearer, more conservative instructions, and update the ACL accordingly.

A note on tone and clarity

This approach isn’t about turning every moment into a technical manual. It’s about making the information usable in real time, with a natural rhythm that mirrors how people actually work. The Hold template provides structure; the ACL provides visibility. Together, they create a reliable transient memory for the operation—what’s happening now and what comes next. That balance—between structure and real-time awareness—keeps the sky safer and the flow smoother.

Putting it into practice in radar SOPs

Radar operations rely on precision, shared understanding, and rapid adaptation. Recording holding instructions with the Hold template and displaying them on the ACL aligns with those needs. It makes the critical details unambiguous and readily accessible to controllers and pilots alike. It also supports accountability: everyone sees the same record, every time.

If you’re revisiting this topic, think of it as a small but mighty habit that pays off when the traffic thickens. Start with the template to capture the essentials, then ensure the ACL presents them clearly. The result is a calmer cockpit, a more predictable sequence, and fewer last-minute surprises.

Final thought: consistency is a quiet but powerful ally

In the end, what matters isn’t a flashy procedure. It’s reliability. The Hold template plus ACL display gives you a consistent, transparent way to document holds, which in turn supports safer, more efficient radar operations. It’s the kind of practice you don’t notice until it’s missing—like a steady heartbeat in a busy control room. Keep it steady, keep it clear, and your team—and the travelers they guide—will benefit.

If you’re curious to explore more about how these recording practices fit into broader radar SOPs, you’ll find that the same logic—clarity, accessibility, and consistency—shows up in other standard procedures as well. The thread is the same: a well-structured record, visible to all who need it, reduces risk and improves performance in the cockpit of daily air traffic management.