When should the outbound leg timer be started in a hold?

• A. When crossing the hold fix outbound and turning outbound
• B. On abeam the facility and turning outbound
• C. When wings level
• D. Abeam the station and wings level

Answer: (D)

The outbound leg timer should be started when you are abeam the holding fix and wings level. This moment marks the precise point you’ve crossed the fix and are lined up with the outbound course, so you can accurately measure the length of the outbound leg using a timer. If you start earlier while you’re still turning onto the outbound heading, you’d be measuring from a point that isn’t representative of the full outbound distance; starting later (while inbound) would delay the timer and distort the timing for returning to the fix. Starting at abeam and wings level gives a consistent, repeatable reference point, which is essential for maintaining the desired leg duration (typically one minute in standard holds) and a predictable pattern back toward the fix.