What is the minimum airspeed for company holding when at an altitude of 15,000 feet and above?

The minimum airspeed for company holding at an altitude of 15,000 feet and above is typically determined by calculating the maneuvering speed that ensures adequate handling characteristics in a holding pattern. In this context, VMD (Minimum Drag Speed) is particularly relevant because it represents the speed at which the aircraft experiences the least amount of drag while maintaining controlled flight.

Holding at VMD allows for optimal fuel efficiency while ensuring that the aircraft can maneuver safely in the pattern. Adding a buffer of 10 knots to VMD helps account for variations in airspeed due to wind and turbulence, ensuring that the aircraft remains safely within acceptable performance margins.

Other options like VREF (Reference Landing Speed), VLE (Maximum Gear Extended Speed), and VNO (Maximum Structural Cruising Speed) do not specifically address the requirements for holding patterns in the same way as VMD does, especially at higher altitudes where drag considerations become more critical. Hence, using VMD + 10 KIAS as the basis ensures compliance with operational safety and performance guidelines during holding at higher altitudes.