Comparison

Hold Entry Calculator vs Holding Pattern Otto Pilot

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

Head to head
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.

About

Holding Pattern Otto Pilot

This app simplifies instrument flying holding patterns with interactive visualizations. It helps pilots understand correct entries, flight paths, and automatic calculations for wind correction and leg times. Ideal for students, instructors, and pilots refreshing IFR knowledge.

Highlights
  • Interactive holding pattern visualization
  • Automatic entry sector and track display
  • Calculates inbound/outbound courses and leg times
  • Computes maximum holding airspeed
  • Wind correction visualization
  • Offline functionality
Features
Read full description

Understanding holding patterns is one of the most challenging parts of instrument flying. Holding Pattern Visualizer makes them simple. Designed for instrument students, CFIs, and pilots looking to refresh their IFR knowledge, this powerful training tool allows you to quickly visualize holding patterns, determine the correct entry, and understand exactly how the aircraft will fly the hold. Whether you're preparing for your instrument rating, teaching students, or getting back up to speed with IFR procedures, Holding Pattern Visualizer turns complex holds into clear, intuitive visuals. Interactive Holding Pattern Visualization Simply enter the information from a clearance or scenario and the app will instantly generate a visual representation of the hold. Input: • Fix • Aircraft heading • Altitude • Holding radial and direction • Wind direction and velocity • Left or right turns The app then automatically generates a clear diagram of the holding pattern including inbound and outbound courses. Entry Sector & Track Visualization Choose how you want to study the hold: • Entry Sector Mode – Displays the direct, teardrop, and parallel sectors • Track Mode – Shows the actual flight path used to fly the hold This makes it easy to understand both which entry to use and how the aircraft will actually fly the maneuver. Automatic Calculations Holding Pattern Visualizer performs the calculations pilots normally have to do mentally: • Determines the correct holding pattern entry • Calculates the inbound course • Displays the outbound course • Computes maximum allowable holding airspeed based on altitude (FAR limits) • Calculates inbound and outbound leg times • Calculates distance flown on each leg Wind Correction Built In Enter wind direction and velocity to visualize how wind affects the hold and adjust your track accordingly. This helps pilots understand how to maintain the correct pattern even in real-world wind conditions. Built for Training • Perfect for instrument rating students • Ideal for CFIs teaching holding patterns • Great refresher for instrument pilots regaining proficiency • Works offline — no internet required Holding Pattern Visualizer was designed by pilots to make one of IFR flying’s most confusing topics clear, visual, and easy to understand. Master holding patterns faster and fly with confidence.

Screenshots

Holding Pattern Otto Pilot4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Hold Entry Calculator at $1.99 against Holding Pattern Otto Pilot's $7.99. Hold Entry Calculator also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.1). On rating, review sentiment, ratings volume and ads 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

Hold Entry Calculator costs $1.99 and Holding Pattern Otto Pilot $7.99 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 — 5.0 for Hold Entry Calculator against 5.0 for Holding Pattern Otto Pilot. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 2 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Hold Entry Calculator versus Holding Pattern Otto Pilot: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHold Entry CalculatorHolding Pattern Otto Pilot
Price$1.99 — better$7.99
Rating5.0 (1 ratings)5.0 (2 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings12 — better
Update frequencyWeekly—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPod, Apple WatchiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS13.0 — better15.1
Further details — not scored
Size1 MB34 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAlexander WanagelBRUCE GARY WILDER

Customer experience

Hold Entry Calculator

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

Holding Pattern Otto Pilot

All ratings2 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

Hold Entry Calculator

No in-app purchases

None

Holding Pattern Otto Pilot

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Hold Entry Calculator free?
Hold Entry Calculator costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Holding Pattern Otto Pilot free?
Holding Pattern Otto Pilot costs $7.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Hold Entry Calculator or Holding Pattern Otto Pilot?
Hold Entry Calculator and Holding Pattern Otto Pilot are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 1 and 2 ratings respectively.
Do Hold Entry Calculator or Holding Pattern Otto Pilot have ads?
Neither Hold Entry Calculator nor Holding Pattern Otto Pilot shows ads.

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