Originally Posted by
MileHighMama
If the hold is published, I see the arrows and I can figure that out (Thank God!) but unpublished?! Sure, ATC will say "hold west of xyz on the xcv radial or DME" but WHICH FRICKIN WAY and WHY IF I AM INBOUND MIGHT I HAVE TO TURN BACK OUTBOUND?!
I'm sure you'll get several great answers in this thread complete with references, but the short answer is:
Holds terminate at fix inbound and are flown with right turns unless the controller specifically states left turns or the hold is published as a left pattern (and the controller gave a "hold as published" clearance).
Right turns are termed standard patterns, and left turns are termed non-standard. The reason for non-standard (left) patterns are to keep holding aircraft away from terrain, airspace, or other traffic otherwise it's a right pattern.
When you get a holding clearance, the controller will give you a quadrant and radial in the clearance - don't confuse this with standard and non-standard holds. For example "Hold West on the 270 degree radial" is the quadrant and radial, this is given to help the pilot orient where the holding should be conducted.
Standby, someone will be along shortly to straighten me out, in the meantime here are a few photos:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holding_%28aviation%29