Comparison

Winter OPS vs VAAC

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

Head to head
About

Winter OPS

This application assists with de-icing and anti-icing procedures by providing holdover time calculations based on official guidelines. It also decodes SNOWTAMs and offers customizable alerts for approaching expiry times, aiding aviation operations in winter conditions.

Highlights
  • Holdover Time (HOT) calculations
  • SNOWTAM decoding
  • Customizable expiry time alerts
  • Qualified fluid information
  • Weather definitions
  • Dark mode support
Read full description

Winter OPS supports aviation professionals during winter operations with fast access to Holdover Time information, De-/Anti-Icing guidance and SNOWTAM decoding — all in one purpose-built application. Configure the relevant operational conditions, select the applied fluid and quickly determine the corresponding Holdover Time (HOT). Compare available fluids at a glance and monitor the remaining HOT with configurable warnings and notifications. HOLDOVER TIMES: - Access Holdover Time (HOT) information based on supported FAA and Transport Canada guidance - Configure weather condition and precipitation intensity - Select outside air temperature in °C or °F - Configure fluid type and fluid/water mixture - Compare HOT values for available fluids at a glance - Consider operational parameters including wing surface, flap setting, precipitation speed and rotation speed - Display HOT start and end times using UTC, device time or countdown - Degree-Specific Holdover Times (DSHOT) available where permitted by your operator procedures HOT MONITORING: Keep track of your remaining Holdover Time during winter operations. Configure individual warning levels for: - Initial Warning - Last Warning - HOT Expiry DE-/ANTI-ICING REFERENCE: Quickly access useful operational reference information including: - One-step and two-step application guidelines - Application guidance by fluid and temperature - Qualified fluid information - Weather definitions - De-Icing and Anti-Icing terminology and definitions SNOWTAM & WINTER WEATHER: - Decode SNOWTAM information using the Global Reporting Format (GRF) - Snow intensity and visibility decoder - Present complex winter operations information in a clear and structured format DESIGNED FOR AVIATION OPERATIONS: Winter OPS is designed for pilots, flight operations, dispatch, ground operations and De-/Anti-Icing personnel who need relevant winter operations information without navigating through multiple documents and tables. The interface is optimized for quick access to operational information and can be configured according to individual requirements. Additional features include: - Light and Dark Mode - Configurable notification settings - UTC and local device time support - De-/Anti-Icing information sharing with Operations - Portrait support on iPhone - Portrait and landscape support on iPad DATA & GUIDANCE: Winter OPS uses Holdover Time data and guidance published for aircraft ground De-/Anti-Icing operations, including FAA and Transport Canada information and relevant EASA guidance. Applicable data is provided through annual subscriptions. Operators must always verify that the applicable data, procedures and winter season are approved for their operation. IMPORTANT: A subscription is needed for either all Fluids or Generic Fluids, available through in App Purchase or the respective individual Applications available in the AppStore. Winter OPS is an operational reference and support tool. It does not replace operator procedures, aircraft manufacturer documentation, applicable regulations or the professional judgement and responsibility of flight and ground personnel. Local authority requirements, operator documentation and aircraft-specific procedures must always be followed.

About

VAAC

Receive alerts from Volcanic Ash Aviation Centres globally. Select your areas of interest to view the latest volcanic ash advisories in text or graphic formats. This app provides information on demand without intrusive notifications.

Highlights
  • Global volcanic ash advisories
  • Selectable aviation centres
  • ASHTAM and graphic formats
  • On-demand information
  • No intrusive notifications
Features
Read full description

Get alerts from Volcanic Ash Aviation Centres worldwide. Click on one or more centres you are interested in. Review latest activities in ASHTAM or graphic format. No annoying notifications, just get the info whenever you want and the area you are interested in. Available on iPhones and iPads.

Screenshots

Winter OPS4 screens
VAAC4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is monetization model: VAAC at free against Winter OPS's free with in-app purchases. VAAC also leads on iOS requirement (9.3 vs 15.0). Winter OPS's advantage is update cadence (every 4 months vs every 11 months). On price, review sentiment, 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

Both are free to download. Winter OPS sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per year and VAAC sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Winter OPS ships an update every 4 months, VAAC every 11 months. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 5 level
Winter OPS versus VAAC: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterWinter OPSVAAC
PriceFreeFree
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews0.0% of reviews
Update frequencyEvery 4 months — betterEvery 11 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.09.3 — better
Further details — not scored
Size65 MB28 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAvimont GmbHDidier Delhaisse

Customer experience

Winter OPS

Written reviews2 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

VAAC

Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral100.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

7 purchases

Winter OPS

Subscriptions6
  • 1 year generic Fluids (FAA)14 Days trial$8.991 Year
  • 1 year generic Fluids (EASA)14 Days trial$8.991 Year
  • 1 year generic Fluids (TC)14 Days trial$8.991 Year
Show 3 more
  • 1 year all Fluids (FAA)$14.991 Year
  • 1 year all Fluids (EASA)$14.991 Year
  • 1 year all Fluids (TC)$14.991 Year
One-time1
  • Decoder Enabling$1.99
1 purchases

VAAC

One-time1
  • Remove ads$1.99

Questions

Is Winter OPS free?
Winter OPS is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is VAAC free?
VAAC is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Winter OPS or VAAC have ads?
Neither Winter OPS nor VAAC shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Winter OPS or VAAC?
Winter OPS ships an update every 4 months, and VAAC every 11 months. Most recently, Winter OPS was updated on October 8, 2026 and VAAC on October 2, 2026.

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