Comparison

Holding Pattern Computer vs HeliPlates

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
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.

About

HeliPlates

This app provides detailed information on hospital heliports across California, including navigation coordinates, dimensions, and facility details. Users can view heliports on an interactive map or by hospital name, with aerial photos and approach paths included. Data can be saved for offline access.

Highlights
  • Interactive map of California hospital heliports
  • Detailed heliport information
  • Navigational coordinates
  • Aerial photos with approach paths
  • Offline data saving
  • Search by region, county, or hospital name
Read full description

Caltrans has developed informational dataplates, or "HeliPlates," that provide permitted approach paths and other information for all the permitted Hospital Heliports in California. We hope this information will be helpful to emergency planners, helicopter operators, and other users. The Caltrans HeliPlates app displays a map of Hospital Heliports in California that you can view by Geographic Region or County. You can select a HeliPlate for a specific Hospital Heliport using either the interactive map or by directly choosing the Hospital Name. The HeliPlates include: - Hospital Name - Hospital Heliport Geographic “Nav” Coordinates - Heliport Info and Dimensions - Hospital Facility and FAA Information - Regional Map showing the location of the heliport - Aerial Photo showing the heliport and Permitted Approach Paths Additionally, HeliPlates can be saved for offline use.

Screenshots

Holding Pattern Computer4 screens
HeliPlates2 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: HeliPlates at Free against Holding Pattern Computer's $11.99. Holding Pattern Computer's advantage is ratings volume (176 vs 3) and iOS requirement (12.4 vs 16.6). On rating, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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

HeliPlates is free to download; Holding Pattern Computer costs $11.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for Holding Pattern Computer against 5.0 for HeliPlates. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Holding Pattern Computer has 176 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Holding Pattern Computer ships an update every 11 months, HeliPlates every 21 months. The most recent releases landed on September 20, 2026 and June 4, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Holding Pattern Computer versus HeliPlates: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHolding Pattern ComputerHeliPlates
Price$11.99Free — better
Rating4.9 (176 ratings)5.0 (3 ratings) — better
Positive reviews90.9% of reviews—
Number of ratings176 — better3
Update frequencyEvery 11 months — betterEvery 21 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.4 — better16.6
Further details — not scored
Size19 MB0 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAviation Mobile Apps, LLC.California Department of Transportation

Customer experience

Holding Pattern Computer

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

HeliPlates

All ratings3 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

Holding Pattern Computer

No in-app purchases

None

HeliPlates

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Holding Pattern Computer free?
Holding Pattern Computer costs $11.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is HeliPlates free?
HeliPlates is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Holding Pattern Computer or HeliPlates?
HeliPlates is rated higher. Holding Pattern Computer averages 4.9 out of 5 from 176 ratings, while HeliPlates averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.
Do Holding Pattern Computer or HeliPlates have ads?
Neither Holding Pattern Computer nor HeliPlates shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Holding Pattern Computer or HeliPlates?
Holding Pattern Computer ships an update every 11 months, and HeliPlates every 21 months. Most recently, Holding Pattern Computer was updated on September 20, 2026 and HeliPlates on June 4, 2026.

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