pointSixtyFive

7-1-4

Visual Holding of VFR Aircraft

JO 7110.65BB, Change 3, effective July 9, 2026 · Official text on faa.gov

TERMINAL

When it becomes necessary to hold VFR aircraft at visual holding fixes, take the following actions:

Clear aircraft to hold at selected, prominent geographical fixes which can be easily recognized from the air, preferably those depicted on sectional charts.
Note

At some locations, VFR checkpoints are depicted on Sectional Aeronautical and Terminal Area Charts. In selecting geographical fixes, depicted VFR checkpoints are preferred unless the pilot exhibits a familiarity with the local area.

Reference

FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 4-6-5, Visual Holding Points.
Issue traffic information to aircraft cleared to hold at the same fix.
Phraseology

HOLD AT (location) UNTIL (time or other condition),
TRAFFIC (description) HOLDING AT (fix, altitude if known),
or
PROCEEDING TO (fix) FROM (direction or fix).

Reference

FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 7-6-5, Holding.