Can you hold over an ADF?

Holding over an ADF (Automatic Direction Finder) is generally not feasible because the ADF signal is based on the direction from which the radio waves are received rather than a specific navigation fix like a VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range). While an ADF can provide bearing information to a non-directional beacon (NDB), the nature of the NDB signal does not allow for a defined holding pattern.

When aircraft navigate using a VOR, pilots can establish a specific radial and hold over that radial, maneuvering as necessary to maintain altitude and alignment. In contrast, with an ADF, the aircraft can only track a bearing towards the NDB but does not have the same capability to maintain a hold as with a VOR. Thus, pilots typically do not hold at an ADF due to the limitations in precision and the need for maintaining specific paths that holding patterns require. This distinction emphasizes the critical differences in navigation aids and their practical applications in flight operations.