Comparison

Sporty's E6B Flight Computer 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

Sporty's E6B Flight Computer

This aviation calculator app offers 27 functions for navigation, fuel calculations, and conversions. It includes a versatile timer for tracking multiple time zones and performing countdowns with alerts. Designed for pilots, it simplifies complex flight planning and in-flight computations.

Highlights
  • 27 Aviation Functions
  • 22 Aviation Conversions
  • Navigational Calculations
  • Fuel Calculations
  • Advanced Timer/Clock
  • Zulu, Local, and Home Time Tracking
  • Basic Arithmetic Calculator
Features
Read full description

Based on Sporty’s popular handheld E6B Electronic Flight Computer, the E6B app has been designed from the ground up to make the most of iOS on the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch, and MacOS on Apple Computers. The software is based on the tried and true formulas and algorithms developed over the years by Sporty’s team of over 50 pilots. Its pilot-friendly design makes quick work of any navigational, conversion or fuel problem and it also performs conventional arithmetic calculations. The advanced timer/clock feature simultaneously tracks Zulu, Local and Home time zones. The timer counts either up or down, and will display an alert when reaching zero. 27 AVIATION FUNCTIONS -Pressure & Density Altitude -Planned True Airspeed -Heading and Groundspeed -Compass Heading -Leg Time -Fuel Required -Crosswind, Headwind and Tailwind -Cloud Base and Freezing Level -Actual True Airspeed -Actual True Altitude -Wind Speed and Direction -Groundspeed -Planned Mach Number -Required True Airspeed -Required Calibrated Airspeed -Distance Flown -Endurance -Fuel per Hour -Actual Mach Number -Percent Mean Aerodynamic Chord (MAC) -Hydroplane Speed -Required Rate of Climb -Specific Range -Pivotal Altitude -Top of Descent -Required Rate of Descent -Glide Distance 22 AVIATION CONVERSIONS -Celsius :: Fahrenheit -Nautical Miles :: Statute Miles -Nautical Miles :: Kilometers -Feet :: Meters -Pounds :: Kilograms -Avgas Gallons :: Pounds -Jet A Gallons :: Pounds -Gallons :: Liters -Hours/Minutes/Seconds :: Hours -Climb FT/NM :: Climb Percent -Climb FT/NM :: Climb Degrees CALCULATOR -Perform basic math without having to exit the application CLOCK/TIMER -Simultaneous tracking of Zulu, Home and Local time zones -Advanced timer counts up or down and operates independently so you can perform other calculations while the timer is running -Upon reaching zero in the countdown mode, a message will display no matter what app is active – a useful feature for missed approaches, switching fuel tanks, etc.

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

Sporty's E6B Flight Computer4 screens
Holding Pattern Computer4 screens

Verdict

The call

Sporty's E6B Flight Computer and Holding Pattern Computer both sit at 4.9 stars, but that hides the real split: 91% of Holding Pattern Computer's written reviews are positive against 59% of Sporty's E6B Flight Computer's. Holding Pattern Computer also leads on iOS requirement (12.4 vs 14.0). Sporty's E6B Flight Computer's advantage is update cadence (every 4 weeks vs every 11 months) and ratings volume (5.3K vs 176). On rating, 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

Sporty's E6B Flight Computer costs $9.99 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

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for Sporty's E6B Flight Computer against 4.9 for Holding Pattern Computer. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Sporty's E6B Flight Computer has 5.3K ratings behind it against 176, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 59% of Sporty's E6B Flight Computer's written reviews are positive against 91% of Holding Pattern Computer's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Sporty's E6B Flight Computer ships an update every 4 weeks, Holding Pattern Computer every 11 months. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard8 real differences · 3 level
Sporty's E6B Flight Computer versus Holding Pattern Computer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSporty's E6B Flight ComputerHolding Pattern Computer
Price$9.99 — better$11.99
Rating4.9 (5.3K ratings)4.9 (176 ratings)
Positive reviews59.3% of reviews90.9% of reviews — better
Number of ratings5.3K — better176
Update frequencyEvery 4 weeks — betterEvery 11 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidFree — better
Best chart rank#4 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS14.012.4 — better
Further details — not scored
Size12 MB19 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSporty's Pilot ShopAviation Mobile Apps, LLC.

Customer experience

Sporty's E6B Flight Computer

All ratings5,299 ratings
Positive98.7%
Neutral0.9%
Negative0.4%
Written reviews135 reviews
Positive59.3%
Neutral17.8%
Negative23.0%

Holding Pattern Computer

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

Bugs and requests

Sporty's E6B Flight Computer

Reported bugs

6 issues
  • Keyboard not working on iPad and iOS 26
  • Pressure altitude tool not accepting certain numbers
  • Weight and balance not accepting decimal points
  • Heading and groundspeed calculations not working
  • Density altitude calculation issues
Show 1 more
  • Keyboard issues causing number scrambling

Requested features

8 requests
  • Add weight and balance feature
  • Improve Apple Watch support
  • Add cold temperature correction for DA and MDA
  • Add glide path calculation to TOD
  • Add time calculation like on electronic E6B
Show 3 more
  • Allow inputting required rate of climb
  • Add magnetic variation input field
  • Add more metric unit support

Holding Pattern Computer

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Sporty's E6B Flight Computer

No in-app purchases

None

Holding Pattern Computer

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Sporty's E6B Flight Computer free?
Sporty's E6B Flight Computer costs $9.99, 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, Sporty's E6B Flight Computer or Holding Pattern Computer?
Sporty's E6B Flight Computer and Holding Pattern Computer are both rated 4.9 out of 5 on the App Store, from 5.3K and 176 ratings respectively.
Do Sporty's E6B Flight Computer or Holding Pattern Computer have ads?
Neither Sporty's E6B Flight Computer nor Holding Pattern Computer shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Sporty's E6B Flight Computer or Holding Pattern Computer?
Sporty's E6B Flight Computer ships an update every 4 weeks, and Holding Pattern Computer every 11 months. Most recently, Sporty's E6B Flight Computer was updated on September 24, 2026 and Holding Pattern Computer on September 20, 2026.

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