How long is the leg length for a holding pattern above 14,000 feet?

The length of the leg for a holding pattern above 14,000 feet is established as 1.5 minutes. This timeframe is set to ensure that aircraft maintain a standardized holding pattern that accounts for the increased airspeed typically associated with higher altitudes.

At lower altitudes, the holding pattern leg length is shorter—1 minute for activities below 14,000 feet. The rationale for extending the leg length to 1.5 minutes above this altitude is to accommodate the faster airspeeds that aircraft may be operating at, which allows for a stabilized and efficient hold without compromising safety or creating excessive congestion in air traffic control.

In practical applications, maintaining a consistent leg length helps controllers ensure that the aircraft can safely navigate the airspace while remaining orderly in their sequence for landing or further maneuvering.