# HSI - Instrument Approach Sim — IFR Approach & Holding Trainer > Instrument approach simulator for pilots, featuring custom plate import and realistic HSI. (iPhone/iPad app by NATHAN STANKEVICIUS.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hsi-instrument-approach-sim/id1278956934 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [NATHAN STANKEVICIUS](https://appshunter.io/developer/923933206) - Category: Education, Reference - Price: Free with in-app purchases (on sale, was $2.99) - Rating: 4.60/5 from 5 App Store ratings · 10 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 16.4 · 16 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2017-09-05 - Data updated: 2026-07-27 - Monetization: free with in-app purchases - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hsi-instrument-approach-sim/id1278956934/reviews.md ## What is HSI? HSI - Instrument Approach Trainer is the only app that lets you import real PDF approach plates and fly approaches right on top of them. Whether you're a student pilot preparing for your instrument rating, a CFI teaching procedures, or a current pilot staying sharp — HSI puts realistic approach training in your pocket. Initially developed for Australian advanced flying training by an Air Force Qualified Flying Instructor - HSI is built by a pilot for pilots. WHAT MAKES HSI DIFFERENT Import Your Own Approach Plates Load any PDF approach plate and practice the procedure as published. No other app offers this. Fly the approaches you'll actually fly in the real aircraft. Realistic HSI Instrument - A beautifully rendered HSI with course selector, CDI, and heading bug. Designed after modern glass and PC-21 style displays. Multiple Nav Modes - Practice VOR, TACAN, LOC, and NDB approaches. Set up any scenario with customizable navaid positions and approach tracks. Holding Patterns - Practice standard and non-standard holding patterns with automatic entry selection. Direct, teardrop, and parallel entries with live guidance overlay. DME and timed holds included and fully customizable. Wind - Set wind direction and speed to practice real-world conditions. Essential for instrument rating prep. Global Leaderboard - Compete with pilots worldwide in Fix-to-Fix challenges. See how you rank. Built-In Fix to Fix (Point to Point) Training - HSI and map overlays that help you visualise this skill. Speed Control - Run approaches at 1x, 2x, 5x and 10x speed. Slow it down to learn, speed it up to drill. FREE TO TRY Download HSI for free and explore every feature. Love it? Unlock HSI Pro (one-time purchase) for the full experience: HSI Pro includes: • PDF approach plate import • No timeout for Pro features (speed ramp, interactive instruments, map follow), Fix-to-Fix Challenge Leaderboard and more. WHO IT'S FOR Student Pilots — Build your conceptual knowledge of HSI instruments and approach procedures before expensive simulator or flight hours. Instrument-Rated Pilots — Stay current on procedures. Practice approaches you'll fly on your next trip. Import the actual plates. Flight Instructors (CFIs) — Demonstrate HSI concepts to students on an iPad. Import the approach plate you're briefing and walk through it step by step. Military Pilots — Originally developed for Australian military advanced flying training. PC-21 style HSI graphics feel right at home. WHAT PILOTS ARE SAYING — 4.5 stars from pilots who use it "I still use it to keep my skills up after a break from IF flight/pre IRA" "Great tool to brush up on IFR point to point concept and hold entries" "If you don't fly much IF this HSI tool will help you out" "Great for your own practice or explaining to a friend how to do point to points and orientate yourself in IF" SAVE MONEY A single flight hour costs hundreds of dollars. HSI Pro costs a fraction of that — once. Practice unlimited approaches and walk into your next checkride, sim session, or flight with confidence. PRIVACY HSI collects zero personal data. No accounts, no tracking. Just training. Questions or feedback? We'd love to hear from you. ## Key features - Import custom PDF approach plates - Realistic HSI instrument display - Multiple navigation modes (VOR, TACAN, LOC, NDB) - Fix to Fix (Point to Point) training - Adjustable speed control for practice - Privacy-focused with zero data collection ## Pricing and in-app purchases Base price: Free. **One-time purchases** | Purchase | Price | Type | | --- | --- | --- | | Pro Upgrade | $9.99 | one-time | ## Recent user reviews (10 of 10) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hsi-instrument-approach-sim/id1278956934/reviews.md ### 5/5 — Excellent App *2026-07-16, version 3.1* I wouldn’t have got my wings without this app, 257 pilots 🤘 ### 5/5 — Essential for IFR *2026-05-04, version 3.1* Been using this app since started flying for learning IFR as well as point to point navigation. Great tool to practice and develop skills as an aviator. Absolutely recommend, thanks to the developer. ### 5/5 — Excellent Training Tool *2026-03-14, version 3.0.0* I used this app on course when it was first released, it was great then as it is (even better) now. I still use it to keep my skills up after a break from IF flight/pre IRA. ### 5/5 — Great App!!! *2025-10-07, version 2.1.3* Can we please have a 240KTS and 160KTS option and a 2x speed option! ### 2/5 — . *2025-01-04, version 2.1.1* I cannot put approach chart(pdf file) in this application. It doesn't work ### 5/5 — Very good *2024-06-02* Just what I was looking to teach students HSI and Bearing Pointer basics. Spend a few minutes and the program makes sense once you see the lock colors change. I used to fly this EHSI in Learjets and Falcons years ago with an EADI, before the advent of the PFD. It’s still my favorite cockpit. Good app ### 5/5 — please add more airspeed category *2023-09-24, version 2.1.1* really good application but much better if you add more airspeed ### 3/5 — Good but needs some work *2020-04-27* Does not have any glitches or anything so thats good, but you need to have a simpler user interface or make a tutorial, i had to figure out how to work with the app, would be nice if you explained how to work it before hand. ### 5/5 — Very impressed *2018-11-12, version 2.0* Hi, love the app. Would it be possible to have a few more speed options and angle of bank as well. ### 5/5 — Really helpful for practicing IF *2017-12-17, version 1.3.1* Great for your own practice or explaining to a friend how to do point to points and orientate yourself in IF. Speeding up the aircraft makes for a good challenge. ## Frequently asked questions about HSI ### What is HSI? HSI is an instrument approach simulator designed for pilots. It allows you to practice instrument approaches using realistic HSI displays and import your own approach plates. ### What are the learning benefits of HSI for student pilots? Student pilots can use HSI to build conceptual knowledge of HSI instruments and approach procedures before incurring expensive simulator or flight hours, potentially saving money and improving preparedness. ### Can I import my own approach plates into HSI? Yes, HSI allows you to import any PDF approach plate, enabling you to practice procedures exactly as they are published and will be flown in real aircraft. ### What navigation modes are available in HSI? HSI supports multiple navigation modes, including VOR, TACAN, LOC, and NDB approaches. You can also customize navaid positions and approach tracks for various scenarios. ### Does HSI collect any user data? No, HSI is designed with privacy in mind and collects zero data. There are no accounts, tracking, or analytics; it is purely for training purposes. ### How does HSI Pro differ from the free version? The free version allows you to explore all features. HSI Pro, a one-time purchase, unlocks features like PDF approach plate import, no timeouts for interactive instruments, and the Fix-to-Fix Challenge Leaderboard for a full experience. ### What is the update frequency for HSI? The app was last updated on February 20, 2026, indicating a commitment to ongoing development and support. This suggests it is actively maintained. ### Is HSI suitable for military pilots? Yes, HSI was originally developed for Australian military advanced flying training. The PC-21 style HSI graphics are designed to feel familiar to military pilots. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 3.1 — 2026-04-12 NEW: This version is all about HOLDING PATTERNS! Practice standard and non-standard holding patterns with automatic entry selection. Direct, teardrop, and parallel entries with live guidance overlay. DME and timed holds included with customizable initial approach fixe. UIX improvements and bug fixes ### 3.0.0 — 2026-02-20 HSI 3.0 — Biggest update ever! NOW FREE TO DOWNLOAD Try HSI before you buy. Explore tutorials and basic features at no cost. Upgrade to HSI Pro (one-time purchase) to unlock everything. FIX-to-FIX TRAINING New overlays show you Fix-Fix fundamentals — practice and then try Challenge Mode to see how you rank against others. HELP SECTION In-app help and reference guides so you're never stuck. REFRESHED UI Modernized interface with improved controls and layout. PDF PLATE IMPORT Improved PDF import makes flying your own approach plates even more accessible. MANY SMALL IMPROVEMENTS: Follow mode, Hide map controls, Rate-1 turns fixed, Improved HSI and Map responsiveness, 10x speed mode. Thank you to every pilot who's supported HSI over the years. This one's for you. ### 2.2 — 2025-10-13 New PC-21 style HSI graphics Airspeed slider Added 2x speed mode (now have 1x, 2x and 5x) ### 2.1.3 — 2025-01-09 Fixed bugs importing PDFs ### 2.1.2 — 2025-01-07 Fixed bug importing PDFs from the iOS Files app. ## Apps similar to HSI | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Weather by Tinybop](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/weather-by-tinybop/id1076985045) | 4.2 (50) | $2.99 | Education | | [The Runway App](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-runway-app/id6572290952) | — | Free | Education | | [PPL Quiz - EASA,FAA Training](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ppl-quiz-easafaa-training/id1485408006) | 4.7 (14) | Free | Education | | [AvMath](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/avmath/id6464602048) | — | Free | Education | | [crewmath.](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/crewmath/id1671484249) | — | Free | Education | | [Tamil Bible - Arulvakku](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tamil-bible-arulvakku/id6472261623) | 5.0 (1) | Free | Education | ## More apps by NATHAN STANKEVICIUS - [New Horizons](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/new-horizons/id1240023046) All apps by NATHAN STANKEVICIUS: https://appshunter.io/developer/923933206 ## Related topics [32 approach](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/32-approach) --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-07-27.*