Comparison

Holding Pattern Computer vs Hold Entry Calculator

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

Hold Entry Calculator

This tool assists pilots in quickly determining the correct entry type for instrument flight rules (IFR) holding patterns. It simplifies the process by allowing users to set headings and holding radials, with the entry type displayed prominently. Designed for both student and experienced pilots, it aims to eliminate confusion during flight.

Highlights
  • Calculate hold entries in seconds
  • Set heading to fix
  • Set holding radial
  • Switch between left and right turns
  • View entry type at a glance
  • Access detailed instructions
Features
Read full description

Hold Entry Calculator helps pilots calculate hold entries in seconds! Features (Built for WatchOS): -Set heading to the fix by tapping the heading button and turning the knob -Set holding radial (outbound) by tapping the radial button and turning the knob -Tap the buttons to change between left and right turns -Look at the top to see your entry type Press the "I" button for detailed instructions in the app! This tool is for instrument students and experienced pilots alike. Never be confused about an IFR holding pattern entry again.

Screenshots

Holding Pattern Computer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Hold Entry Calculator at $1.99 against Holding Pattern Computer's $11.99. Hold Entry Calculator also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 11 months) and review sentiment (100% vs 91%). Holding Pattern Computer's advantage is ratings volume (176 vs 1). On rating, 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

Holding Pattern Computer costs $11.99 and Hold Entry Calculator $1.99 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 Hold Entry Calculator. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Holding Pattern Computer has 176 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 91% of Holding Pattern Computer's written reviews are positive against 100% of Hold Entry Calculator's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Holding Pattern Computer ships an update every 11 months, Hold Entry Calculator weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Holding Pattern Computer versus Hold Entry Calculator: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHolding Pattern ComputerHold Entry Calculator
Price$11.99$1.99 — better
Rating4.9 (176 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews90.9% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings176 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 11 monthsWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree — betterPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPod, Apple Watch
Requires iOS12.4 — better13.0
Further details — not scored
Size19 MB1 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAviation Mobile Apps, LLC.Alexander Wanagel

Customer experience

Holding Pattern Computer

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

Hold Entry Calculator

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

Holding Pattern Computer

No in-app purchases

None

Hold Entry Calculator

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Holding Pattern Computer free?
Holding Pattern Computer costs $11.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Hold Entry Calculator free?
Hold Entry Calculator costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Holding Pattern Computer or Hold Entry Calculator?
Hold Entry Calculator is rated higher. Holding Pattern Computer averages 4.9 out of 5 from 176 ratings, while Hold Entry Calculator averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.
Do Holding Pattern Computer or Hold Entry Calculator have ads?
Neither Holding Pattern Computer nor Hold Entry Calculator shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Holding Pattern Computer or Hold Entry Calculator?
Holding Pattern Computer ships an update every 11 months, and Hold Entry Calculator weekly. Most recently, Holding Pattern Computer was updated on October 11, 2026 and Hold Entry Calculator on October 7, 2026.

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