Visual Holding Pattern vs Holding Pattern Computer
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Visual Holding Pattern
This app offers a visual guide for pilots to determine correct holding pattern entry techniques. It allows for easy rotation of the holding pattern and aircraft heading to visualize the approach, with manual or automatic heading input.
- Visual holding pattern reference
- Determine entry techniques
- Rotate holding pattern
- Match aircraft heading
- Manual heading input
- Automatic heading input
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The Visual Holding Pattern provides a complete visual reference to help you determine the proper holding pattern entry technique based on your aircraft's heading and the holding pattern's inbound leg course. With a single finger rotation a pilot can easily orientate the holding pattern around a holding fix based on the inbound leg's desired bearing, radial, or course. The entire circular image can be rotated to match the aircraft's heading to allow the pilot to visualize the aircraft's approach to the holding pattern. The aircraft's heading can either be set manually or automatically based on the magnetic heading of the iDevice being used. This app is designed for optimal viewing and use on an iPad or iPhone 5 screen size or larger. This app requires iOS 8.0 or greater.
Holding Pattern Computer
Master complex flight maneuvers with intuitive, turn-by-turn guidance for various entry types and holds. This app analyzes wind patterns and flight dynamics to provide real-time, adaptive directions, minimizing pilot workload and maximizing path accuracy for safe navigation.
- Turn-by-turn guidance for Direct, Teardrop, and Parallel entries
- Real-time wind correction and flight dynamics analysis
- High-Precision Entry (HPE) system
- Advanced Holding Pattern Solution (HPS)
- EFC algorithms
- Hybrid Parallel/Teardrop entry method
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Fly with Confidence: Holding Pattern App Elevate your flying skills with Version 3.0 of the Holding Pattern App, meticulously crafted by aerospace experts. Ideal for both new and experienced pilots, this app turns complex flight maneuvers into simple, intuitive instructions. Navigate the skies with precision using our turn-by-turn guidance for Direct, Teardrop, and Parallel entries and holds, ensuring perfect alignment with your flight path. Our patented technology analyzes wind patterns and flight dynamics to provide real-time, actionable directions that adapt to your needs, from bank limits to wind adjustments. Version 3.0 introduces the only High-Precision Entry (HPE) system integrated with advanced Holding Pattern Solution (HPS) and EFC algorithms. Tested in real aircraft and simulators, including a 747-400 and a 747-400 Level D simulator, this update minimizes pilot workload and maximizes path accuracy. Experience our innovative Hybrid Parallel/Teardrop entry method to manage airspace efficiently, even in strong winds. Each feature is designed with safety in mind, from individual data input screens that enhance focus to comprehensive guides and resources for in-depth learning. The new update also includes improved dialog boxes for crucial data input and seamless integration into your flight routine, ensuring you stay within FAA-regulated airspace. With the Holding Pattern App, excellence in flying isn’t just a goal—it’s your new reality. Ready to transform your flying experience? Download now and visit HoldingPattern.com for more information.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Visual Holding Pattern at $0.99 against Holding Pattern Computer's $11.99. Visual Holding Pattern also leads on chart position (#83 vs unranked) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 12.4). Holding Pattern Computer's advantage is rating (4.9 vs 3.9) and review sentiment (91% vs 63%). On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Visual Holding Pattern costs $0.99 and Holding Pattern Computer $11.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Holding Pattern Computer holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Holding Pattern Computer has 176 ratings behind it against 12, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 63% of Visual Holding Pattern's written reviews are positive against 91% of Holding Pattern Computer's.
Visual Holding Pattern ships an update every 9 months, Holding Pattern Computer every 11 months. The most recent releases landed on September 19, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Visual Holding Pattern | Holding Pattern Computer |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $0.99 — better | $11.99 |
| Rating | 3.9 (12 ratings) | 4.9 (176 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 62.5% of reviews | 90.9% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 12 | 176 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 9 months — better | Every 11 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Free — better |
| Best chart rank | #83 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 8.0 — better | 12.4 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 15 MB | 19 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Arthur Varrassi | Aviation Mobile Apps, LLC. |
Customer experience
Visual Holding Pattern
Holding Pattern Computer
In-app purchases
Visual Holding Pattern
No in-app purchases
Holding Pattern Computer
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Visual Holding Pattern free?
Is Holding Pattern Computer free?
Which has better reviews, Visual Holding Pattern or Holding Pattern Computer?
Do Visual Holding Pattern or Holding Pattern Computer have ads?
Which is updated more often, Visual Holding Pattern or Holding Pattern Computer?
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