What is the maximum holding airspeed from 0 to 6,000 feet MSL in US airspace?

The maximum holding airspeed from 0 to 6,000 feet MSL in US airspace is 200 knots indicated airspeed (KIAS). This standard is established to ensure safety and efficiency in the airspace system, particularly in holding patterns where aircraft gather before being cleared for landing or further flight.

At altitudes below 6,000 feet, holding speeds are limited to 200 KIAS to reduce the risk of wake turbulence and to maintain manageable airspace congestion. This restriction helps both pilots and air traffic controllers maintain separation between aircraft and allows for smoother operations during holding patterns, especially given the typically lower speeds of traffic in congested airspace.

Understanding this rule is crucial for pilots, as adherence to recommended holding speeds helps maintain safe distances from other aircraft and aligns with operational protocols designed to facilitate effective flow in busy areas. The options that exceed 200 KIAS do not align with this regulation, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining a controlled and predictable flight profile when holding in busy airspace.