Comparison

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.

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • Visual holding pattern reference
  • Determine entry techniques
  • Rotate holding pattern
  • Match aircraft heading
  • Manual heading input
  • Automatic heading input
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

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.

About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read full description

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

Visual Holding Pattern4 screens
Holding Pattern Computer4 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

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.

Scorecard7 real differences · 4 level
Visual Holding Pattern versus Holding Pattern Computer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterVisual Holding PatternHolding Pattern Computer
Price$0.99 — better$11.99
Rating3.9 (12 ratings)4.9 (176 ratings) — better
Positive reviews62.5% of reviews90.9% of reviews — better
Number of ratings12176 — better
Update frequencyEvery 9 months — betterEvery 11 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidFree — better
Best chart rank#83 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS8.0 — better12.4
Further details — not scored
Size15 MB19 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperArthur VarrassiAviation Mobile Apps, LLC.

Customer experience

Visual Holding Pattern

All ratings12 ratings
Positive75.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative25.0%
Written reviews8 reviews
Positive62.5%
Neutral0.0%
Negative37.5%

Holding Pattern Computer

All ratings176 ratings
Positive98.3%
Neutral1.1%
Negative0.6%
Written reviews22 reviews
Positive90.9%
Neutral4.5%
Negative4.5%

In-app purchases

None

Visual Holding Pattern

No in-app purchases

None

Holding Pattern Computer

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Visual Holding Pattern free?
Visual Holding Pattern costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Holding Pattern Computer free?
Holding Pattern Computer costs $11.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Visual Holding Pattern or Holding Pattern Computer?
Holding Pattern Computer is rated higher. Visual Holding Pattern averages 3.9 out of 5 from 12 ratings, while Holding Pattern Computer averages 4.9 from 176 ratings.
Do Visual Holding Pattern or Holding Pattern Computer have ads?
Neither Visual Holding Pattern nor Holding Pattern Computer shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Visual Holding Pattern or Holding Pattern Computer?
Visual Holding Pattern ships an update every 9 months, and Holding Pattern Computer every 11 months. Most recently, Visual Holding Pattern was updated on September 19, 2026 and Holding Pattern Computer on September 20, 2026.

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