What is the minimum holding altitude speed for altitudes between 0 and 6,000 feet?

The minimum holding altitude speed for altitudes between 0 and 6,000 feet is indeed 200 knots. This speed is established to ensure that aircraft maintain a safe and efficient flow in holding patterns, particularly in controlled airspace. The regulation sets this speed to balance the need for effective airspace management and the performance capabilities of various aircraft.

Within this altitude range, 200 knots provides a suitable compromise between the agility needed to manage the holding pattern and the structural integrity of the aircraft. This speed is lower compared to higher altitudes because, at lower altitudes, the aircraft is typically closer to the ground and therefore requires quicker response times to adjust for any necessary altitude changes or navigational corrections.

Higher speeds, such as 250 knots or 220 knots, would not only be excessive for low-altitude holding but could also complicate the synchronization of arrivals and departures in busy airspaces, where aircraft are transitioning to or from approaches.