Regional Jet 700 ER/LR (CRJ700)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Communication Breakdown; Confusion
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Procedure; Human Factors
Enroute to GVE we were [cleared] to hold 'at GVE; West; as published; EFC at 0110.' We repeated the clearance and entered the hold in the FMS. While on the outbound leg ATC inquired if we were in the holding pattern and I responded that we were. ATC requested our [DME from GVE] and we [advised] that we were 12 DME [outbound]. He said his clearance was to hold as published and we should be within 10 miles. We were at FL370 and the FMS gave us 1.5 minutes of holding time which required 13 NM. We [reprogrammed] the distance to 10 miles and continued the holding. No further action was required.ATC should be specific on the desired distance in the holding pattern.
When cleared to hold '...west; as published at FL370...' at GVE the flight crew of a CRJ-700 entered the pattern utilizing standard 1.5 minute legs. Center took exception; advising that 'as published' restricted outbound legs to 10NM.