Comparison

NRST 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

NRST

This app helps pilots navigate by providing essential airport information, including distance, elevation, and required descent rates. It offers real-time data updates and customizable descent settings for various aircraft types. Worldwide airport coverage is available, with daily database updates.

Highlights
  • Real-time airport data
  • Customizable descent rate
  • Worldwide airport coverage
  • Filter airports by runway
  • Glide distance calculation
  • Watch app integration
Features
Read full description

Don't miss your airport! Designed for pilots of any size aircraft, this app provides you with bearing and vertical speed required to nearby airports. The following information is shown for destinations: • Distance from current location • Field Elevation • Descent rate required • Time to Top of Descent (TOD) • Bearing • Frequencies • Runways • Glide distance delta Additionally your current speed, course, altitude and vertical speed are displayed. Tapping on the information button, Time to TOD or Target Altitude allows you to customize the desired descent rate. All data is updated in real time as you fly. You may choose a nearby airport or select an airport by identifier by scrolling down on the airport list. Filter by runway length and surface type and choose any of the following: airports, seaplane bases, heliports, balloon ports and closed airports. You may optionally provide a glide ratio for your aircraft. The glide distance long or short of the selected airport is then displayed and is conveniently color coded. A positive, green glide delta indicates the glide distance has been estimated to exceed the distance to the airport with a 25% safety margin. Runway headings, if known, are used to draw runways on the heading indicator. If the magenta arrow is pointed straight up and aligned with a runway then you are headed straight in. Worldwide airport information is provided by multiple sources. Canada, Europe and all continents are covered! For more information go to ourairports.com/world.html. Database updates are performed daily. Your location and altitude is provided by your device's location services. If location or altitude is not available that information will not be displayed however you can still search for an airport by identifier. Unfortunately external GPS devices are generally NOT compatible. You must be moving for course information and the magenta relative bearing arrow to be displayed. The Watch app has many of the same features and fits on your wrist. See distances to nearby airports or bearing to a selected airport. Frequencies and runway lengths can be seen with a swipe. A green glide icon or delta indicates glideability is likely. Just like the iPhone and iPad app, the Watch app requires GPS information to locate nearby airports and relative bearing. Additionally, altitude is needed to calculate descent rates. Feedback and feature requests are appreciated. Thanks! Subscription Fine Print ---------------------- - 1 month FREE trial - Database Subscription or Apple Watch Subscription is required for new users - The subscription is for 1 year and updated data is available daily - The annual subscription is $11.99/year or $17.99/year for Watch - Payment will be charged to iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase - Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period - Account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period, and identify the cost of the renewal - Subscriptions may be managed by the user and auto-renewal may be turned off by going to the user's Account Settings after purchase - No cancellation of the current subscription is allowed during active subscription period - Privacy policy and terms of use are located at: http://toonsy.net/privacy.html - Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when the user purchases a subscription to that publication.

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

NRST4 screens
Holding Pattern Computer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: NRST at Free against Holding Pattern Computer's $11.99. NRST also leads on update cadence (every 4 months vs every 11 months). Holding Pattern Computer's advantage is review sentiment (91% vs 47%) and in-app purchases (none vs 6). On ads 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

NRST is free to download; Holding Pattern Computer costs $11.99 up front. NRST sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per year. Holding Pattern Computer asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Holding Pattern Computer holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Holding Pattern Computer has 176 ratings behind it against 8, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 47% of NRST's written reviews are positive against 91% of Holding Pattern Computer's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

NRST ships an update every 4 months, Holding Pattern Computer every 11 months. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard8 real differences · 2 level
NRST versus Holding Pattern Computer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterNRSTHolding Pattern Computer
PriceFree — better$11.99
Rating4.5 (8 ratings)4.9 (176 ratings) — better
Positive reviews46.9% of reviews90.9% of reviews — better
Number of ratings8176 — better
Update frequencyEvery 4 months — betterEvery 11 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationSubscriptionFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple WatchiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS17.012.4 — better
Further details — not scored
Size50 MB19 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperToonsy NetAviation Mobile Apps, LLC.

Customer experience

NRST

All ratings8 ratings
Positive87.5%
Neutral0.0%
Negative12.5%
Written reviews32 reviews
Positive46.9%
Neutral6.3%
Negative46.9%

Holding Pattern Computer

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

In-app purchases

6 purchases

NRST

Subscriptions6
  • Early Adopter Device Subscription1 Month trial$0.991 Year
  • Early Adopter Device and Watch Bronze1 Month trial$1.991 Year
  • Device Only1 Month trial$11.991 Year
Show 3 more
  • Device Only1 Month trial$14.991 Year
  • Device and Watch1 Month trial$17.991 Year
  • Device and Watch1 Month trial$24.991 Year
None

Holding Pattern Computer

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is NRST free?
NRST is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Holding Pattern Computer free?
Holding Pattern Computer costs $11.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, NRST or Holding Pattern Computer?
Holding Pattern Computer is rated higher. NRST averages 4.5 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while Holding Pattern Computer averages 4.9 from 176 ratings.
Do NRST or Holding Pattern Computer have ads?
Neither NRST nor Holding Pattern Computer shows ads.
Which is updated more often, NRST or Holding Pattern Computer?
NRST ships an update every 4 months, and Holding Pattern Computer every 11 months. Most recently, NRST was updated on October 6, 2026 and Holding Pattern Computer on October 11, 2026.

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