At what point should a pilot begin timing outbound from a holding pattern at an NDB?

Timing outbound from a holding pattern at a Non-Directional Beacon (NDB) should begin when the aircraft is abeam the holding fix. This position allows the pilot to accurately measure the time spent outbound, as it provides a point of reference to ensure that the outbound leg is the correct length.

In a typical holding pattern, the outbound leg is usually flown for a specified duration, commonly one minute for airplanes below 14,000 feet, and up to 1.5 minutes above that altitude. Timing starts when the aircraft is abeam the NDB or holding fix because this provides the best indication that the aircraft is at a consistent distance from the fix and has completed the necessary turn.

Starting the timing upon reaching the holding altitude does not account for the actual position relative to the fix, while centering the needle may occur at various points based on wind and course corrections, which do not define the appropriate timing. Additionally, beginning the timing at the fix's designated waypoint would not accurately establish the timing for the holding leg, as it disregards the need for a reference point to initiate the measurement properly. Therefore, abeam the holding fix is the most accurate and practical moment to start timing the outbound leg.