If a pilot receives a holding instruction at a fix, they should expect what action after reporting established in the hold?

The correct response is based on the expectations of a pilot after establishing themselves in a holding pattern. When a pilot reports being established in a hold, Air Traffic Control (ATC) typically intends to manage air traffic flow and may issue further instructions.

Receiving a new clearance is a common next step, as it often signifies that ATC is reassessing the traffic situation and can provide updated routing or further instructions based on the current conditions. This can include changing the aircraft's flight path, sequencing other aircraft, or providing a descent instruction if it is time to continue the descent toward the destination after holding.

Descent instructions may also occur, depending on the situation and air traffic circumstances, but the primary expectation after reporting established in a hold is receiving a new clearance from ATC.

Route amendments represent another possibility that may occur, but they are a component of what could be included with the new clearance rather than what is immediately expected after establishing in a hold.

Focusing primarily on the initial action upon reporting to ATC highlights that a new clearance is the most accurate and immediate expectation regarding pilot actions after entering a hold.