Comparison

C172M vs IFR Holding Pattern Trainer

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

Head to head
About

C172M

This app calculates mass, balance, and performance data for the Cessna 172M aircraft using actual Pilot's Operating Handbook values. It helps pilots plan flights quickly by determining optimal cruise altitudes, takeoff and landing distances, climb data, and stall speeds.

Highlights
  • Mass & Balance calculations
  • Takeoff and Landing performance
  • Climb data calculation
  • Optimal cruise altitude determination
  • Stall speed calculation
  • Save and load aircraft settings
  • Email load manifest
Read full description

Gyronimo Performance Pad -Cessna 172M- The ultimate computer for Mass & Balance and Performance. Compatibility: requires iPad 2 or newer, or iPad Mini Retina Now with support for Standard and Long Range Tanks! Calculate and interpolate performance data using the actual values from the Cessna 172M Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH). Finish your complete fight planning in just a few seconds. Performance planning has never been easier and quicker. Results are updated immediately and displayed in high resolution graphics, enhanced for the iPad 2/3 and iPad Mini. Change all important values using sliders. Experiment with the results and create "what if" scenarios in no time. Find your optimal cruise altitude, takeoff ground roll, landing distance, climb data and stall speeds. The Performance Pad C172M has seven main pages: 1. The Mass & Balance (or Weight & Balance) Page Calculates Center of Gravity, Moments, Takeoff and Zero Fuel Mass as well as Percent MAC (% MAC). Set person and baggage weights in seconds using the convenient sliders. Check if the CG is within limits using three graphical displays - Moment Envelope - CG envelope - Aircraft axis or see a complete load manifest that you can send to your email address to quickly prove that you have completed the Weight & Balance for you flight. 2. The Takeoff Page Using the actual data from the C172M Operating Handbook the Performance Pad calculates and displays Ground Roll and Landing Distance based on: - Aircraft Mass - Takeoff Elevation in MSL (Pressure Altitude and Density Altitude will be computed) - Outside Air Temperature (OAT) - Altimeter Setting - Runway Conditions (i.e. paved dry to long grass or snow) - Runway Slope - Wind Conditions 3. The Climb page Calculates time, fuel and distance based on - Difference between Takeoff Elevation and intended Flight Level - Altimeter Setting - Outside Air Temperature (OAT) - Altimeter Setting - Headwind or Tailwind Component Also the Rate of Climb and Climb Speed will be displayed. 4. The Cruise Page Using the actual data from the Pilot's Operating Handbook you can determine the optimal cruise altitude based on - Trip Distance - Flight Level - Engine RPM - Temperature - Wind and Altimeter Setting 5. Landing Page Calculates Ground Roll and Landing Distance based on wind, elevation, altimeter setting etc. Like on the Takeoff Page you can use the Wind Components Computer to quickly determine head- or tailwind components 6. Stall Speed Page. Calculates The Stall Speed based on Bank Angle and Flap Settings. Stall Speed will be computed as KIAS and KCAS using the actual values from the Cessna POH. 7. Setup - Load and Save up to five Aircraft Settings and Scenarios. - Send a Mass & Balance Summary to your email address. - Visit our video channel and watch tutorials and video manuals. Mode Switch: The Performance Pad can be used in two Modes: "Individual Mode" All calculations can be done independently from each other. "Plan Mode" Calculated values will be forwarded to the next page and an additional "Flight Summary Page" is available. Choose this mode if you want to do a complete performance planning. The author disclaims any liability for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential losses or damages in connection with your access to or use of this software. The information contained in this software is for general information purposes only.

About

IFR Holding Pattern Trainer

This aviation trainer helps IFR pilots and students master complex holding procedures through explanations, visual aids, and interactive learning. It includes a test module and a quick finder map to enhance understanding and preparation for exams.

Highlights
  • Interactive learning system
  • Visual illustrations of holding patterns
  • Direct, parallel, and teardrop entry explanations
  • Test module with feedback
  • Quick Finder map view
  • Tested by real pilots and instructors
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

Holding Pattern (IFR) Instructor is specially designed for IFR pilots and students to better understand how to manage holdings, one of the most complex IFR procedures. This app provides significant insights into holding procedures as an educational method, combining clear explanations, visual illustrations, and interactive practice tools. ALREADY TESTED BY REAL PILOTS AND INSTRUCTORS Holding Pattern (IFR) Instructor has been developed and tested by real pilots and trainers, covering the full range of holding scenarios, including situations that frequently cause difficulties in real operations. This ensures a learning experience that goes beyond any other app available in this area. CONTINUOUSLY IMPROVED AT FLIGHT SCHOOLS The teaching method implemented in Holding Pattern (IFR) Instructor is used at flight schools all around the world, contributing to a higher proportion of successful exams. This achievement makes our app so popular among students and instructors alike. INTERACTIVE LEARNING SYSTEM The built-in interactive learning system guides users through all three holding entry types - direct, parallel, and teardrop - with step-by-step explanations and visual illustrations. The exclusive FlyGo Trick provides a simple six-step method to always select the correct entry type with confidence. TEST MODULE The test module lets users practise identifying the correct entry procedure for any combination of aircraft heading and inbound course, with immediate visual feedback to reinforce learning. TIMING QUIZ A dedicated quiz module to master outbound leg timing. Users practise calculating the required outbound flight time based on observed inbound duration and altitude, and learn to apply the EASA wind correction rule for precise heading corrections. INTERCEPT AND TRACK QUIZ Sharpen your intercept and tracking skills with practical quiz questions: determine the correct intercept angle based on CDI deviation and inbound course, and calculate wind-corrected headings for accurate track following. QUICK FINDER Quick Finder provides an interactive compass and heading control where all critical paths and directions of the holding pattern are visualised in real time. Students can instantly see the correct entry type, standard and non-standard pattern variants, and experiment with any combination of heading and inbound course - with an optional help overlay for guided learning. GAME MODE Put your knowledge to the ultimate test with the gamified map-based practice mode. Compete for the best score and challenge others via Game Center integration. ----- FOR STUDENTS If you are a student, then we wish good luck for the preparation and good luck for the examination! FOR INSTRUCTORS If you are a flight trainer, then we hope you will find useful our app and it helps your students better understand holding patterns! Enjoy our app and FLY SAFE! The FlyGo-Aviation team

Screenshots

IFR Holding Pattern Trainer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: C172M at 3.0 against IFR Holding Pattern Trainer's 2.0. C172M also leads on review sentiment (67% vs 40%) and iOS requirement (14.0 vs 18.6). IFR Holding Pattern Trainer's advantage is price ($5.99 vs $13.99) and chart position (#177 vs unranked). On ratings volume, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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

C172M costs $13.99 and IFR Holding Pattern Trainer $5.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

C172M holds the better App Store score, 3.0 against 2.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 2 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 67% of C172M's written reviews are positive against 40% of IFR Holding Pattern Trainer's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

C172M ships an update every 7 months, IFR Holding Pattern Trainer every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 5 level
C172M versus IFR Holding Pattern Trainer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterC172MIFR Holding Pattern Trainer
Price$13.99$5.99 — better
Rating3.0 (2 ratings) — better2.0 (2 ratings)
Positive reviews66.7% of reviews — better40.0% of reviews
Number of ratings22
Update frequencyEvery 7 monthsEvery 3 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
Best chart rank—#177 — better
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS14.0 — better18.6
Further details — not scored
Size27 MB151 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGyronimo, LLCFlygo-Aviation Ltd

Customer experience

C172M

All ratings2 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%
Written reviews3 reviews
Positive66.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative33.3%

IFR Holding Pattern Trainer

All ratings2 ratings
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%
Written reviews10 reviews
Positive40.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative60.0%

In-app purchases

None

C172M

No in-app purchases

None

IFR Holding Pattern Trainer

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is C172M free?
C172M costs $13.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is IFR Holding Pattern Trainer free?
IFR Holding Pattern Trainer costs $5.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, C172M or IFR Holding Pattern Trainer?
C172M is rated higher. C172M averages 3.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while IFR Holding Pattern Trainer averages 2.0 from 2 ratings.
Do C172M or IFR Holding Pattern Trainer have ads?
Neither C172M nor IFR Holding Pattern Trainer shows ads.
Which is updated more often, C172M or IFR Holding Pattern Trainer?
C172M ships an update every 7 months, and IFR Holding Pattern Trainer every 3 months. Most recently, C172M was updated on October 2, 2026 and IFR Holding Pattern Trainer on September 23, 2026.

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