What are the standard holding speed restrictions by altitude?

• A. 0–6,000 ft: 200 knots; 6,000–14,000 ft: 230 knots; 14,000 ft and above: 265 knots
• B. 0–6,000 ft: 180 knots; 6,000–14,000 ft: 200 knots; 14,000 ft+: 230 knots
• C. 0–6,000 ft: 250 knots; 6,000–14,000 ft: 270 knots; 14,000 ft+: 300 knots
• D. 0–6,000 ft: 210 knots; 6,000–14,000 ft: 240 knots; 14,000 ft+: 260 knots

Answer: (A)

Holding speeds are chosen to keep hold patterns predictable and safe across different altitudes. The standard values are set in knots indicated airspeed so pilots of various aircraft can follow the same rules without worrying about their true airspeed changing the hold geometry with altitude.

Up to 6,000 feet, 200 knots is used to keep turns tight and spacing manageable in busy low-level airspace. From 6,001 to 14,000 feet, 230 knots increases efficiency while still allowing safe turn radii. At 14,000 feet and above, 265 knots accommodates higher-altitude traffic and the different performance characteristics, while keeping the hold geometry practical.

These three tiers—200 knots, 230 knots, and 265 knots in the respective altitude ranges—are why the first option is the correct one. The other sets would either be too slow to handle higher-altitude traffic safely or too fast to maintain workable turns and spacing at lower altitudes.