What three circumstances will allow a plane to leave a hold?

• A. Clearance from ATC
• B. Lost communications
• C. Cancellation of IFR flight plan
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Leaving a hold is allowed when you have clear authority to do so. That authority can come from three realistic scenarios. First, ATC can issue a new clearance that directs you to exit the hold and proceed to the next fix or route. Second, if you cancel IFR and revert to operating under VFR, you’re no longer bound by the IFR hold instructions and may depart the holding pattern as needed to continue your flight. Third, if you experience a loss of communications, you continue to hold as last assigned and then exit at the expected further clearance time (or as filed) once you have the opportunity to proceed. Because each of these circumstances provides a legitimate way to discontinue the hold, all of the above are valid ways to leave the hold.