Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
ATC gives you holding instructions… but there’s no published hold and your GPS won’t build it for you.
Now what?
In this video, I walk through a real-world example of:
• Interpreting an unpublished hold clearance
• Setting it up manually
• Using OBS mode, heading bug, and timing
• Flying the hold without automation doing the work
This is exactly the kind of scenario that trips pilots up on checkrides and in real IFR operations.
Simple, practical, and directly applicable.
👉 Join the VSL Aviation Discord: discord.gg/KzqCDNvJ5p
👉 Get the ACE Guide: https://vsl.aero/aceguide
Chapters:
00:00 ATC Issues an Unpublished Hold
00:16 Reading Back the Clearance
00:27 Building the Hold Manually (FINGER Fix)
01:01 Setting the Inbound Course
01:20 Why You Can’t Just “Load” This Hold
01:55 Time Pressure and Setup Priorities
02:07 Using OBS Mode to Freeze the Flight Plan
02:18 Heading Bug + CDI Technique Explained
02:52 Flying the Outbound Leg (Timing & Heading)
03:22 Crossing the Fix and Starting the Turn
03:40 Managing the Turn and Avoiding Overcorrection
04:09 Visualizing the Hold with ForeFlight
04:43 Letting the Aircraft Work (Standard Rate, Descent)
05:17 Transitioning Back to NAV / GPS Steering
05:23 Clearance Received – Exiting the Hold
05:43 Debrief – Why This Worked
ATC gives you holding instructions… but there’s no published hold and your GPS won’t build it for you.
Now what?
In this video, I walk through a real-world example of:
• Interpreting an unpublished hold clearance
• Setting it up manually
• Using OBS mode, heading bug, and timing
• Flying the hold without automation doing the work
This is exactly the kind of scenario that trips pilots up on checkrides and in real IFR operations.
Simple, practical, and directly applicable.
👉 Join the VSL Aviation Discord: discord.gg/KzqCDNvJ5p
👉 Get the ACE Guide: https://vsl.aero/aceguide
Chapters:
00:00 ATC Issues an Unpublished Hold
00:16 Reading Back the Clearance
00:27 Building the Hold Manually (FINGER Fix)
01:01 Setting the Inbound Course
01:20 Why You Can’t Just “Load” This Hold
01:55 Time Pressure and Setup Priorities
02:07 Using OBS Mode to Freeze the Flight Plan
02:18 Heading Bug + CDI Technique Explained
02:52 Flying the Outbound Leg (Timing & Heading)
03:22 Crossing the Fix and Starting the Turn
03:40 Managing the Turn and Avoiding Overcorrection
04:09 Visualizing the Hold with ForeFlight
04:43 Letting the Aircraft Work (Standard Rate, Descent)
05:17 Transitioning Back to NAV / GPS Steering
05:23 Clearance Received – Exiting the Hold
05:43 Debrief – Why This Worked
