Holding Pattern Computer vs HeliPlates
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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
Read full descriptionHide 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.
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.
- 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 descriptionHide 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
Verdict
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
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.
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.
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.
| Parameter | Holding Pattern Computer | HeliPlates |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $11.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 4.9 (176 ratings) | 5.0 (3 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 90.9% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 176 — better | 3 |
| Update frequency | Every 11 months — better | Every 21 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 12.4 — better | 16.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 19 MB | 0 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Aviation Mobile Apps, LLC. | California Department of Transportation |
Customer experience
Holding Pattern Computer
HeliPlates
In-app purchases
Holding Pattern Computer
No in-app purchases
HeliPlates
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Holding Pattern Computer free?
Is HeliPlates free?
Which has better reviews, Holding Pattern Computer or HeliPlates?
Do Holding Pattern Computer or HeliPlates have ads?
Which is updated more often, Holding Pattern Computer or HeliPlates?
Other comparisons















