# Holdings vs IFR Flight Trainer Simulator

The clearest difference is review sentiment: IFR Flight Trainer Simulator at 82% against Holdings's 29%. IFR Flight Trainer Simulator also leads on price (Free vs $2.99) and rating (3.9 vs 2.8). Holdings's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 18.6). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator is free to download; Holdings costs $2.99 up front. IFR Flight Trainer Simulator sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Holdings asks for nothing beyond the download.

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator holds the better App Store score, 3.9 against 2.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: IFR Flight Trainer Simulator has 76 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 29% of Holdings's written reviews are positive against 82% of IFR Flight Trainer Simulator's.

Holdings ships an update every 12 months, IFR Flight Trainer Simulator every 3 months. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Holdings | IFR Flight Trainer Simulator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $2.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [2.8 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/holdings/id884451875/reviews) | **[3.9 (76 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ifr-flight-trainer-simulator/id901798935/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 4 | **76** |
| Positive reviews | 28.6% of reviews | **81.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 12 months | **Every 3 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 3 MB | 155 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 18.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | +4 |
| Developer | [Oliver Puetz](https://appshunter.io/developer/808632167) | [Flygo-Aviation Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/550770776) |

## What reviewers say

### Holdings

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/holdings/id884451875)

Practice aviation holding patterns with interactive visualizations. Covers entries, briefings, and actual holding with timing and wind corrections. Ideal for flight students and experienced pilots to maintain proficiency.

**Highlights:** Interactive holding pattern visualization, Practice entries with course and timing, Complete holding briefings, Actual holding practice with wind corrections, Altitude assignment decisions, Aircraft perspective and overview map

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### IFR Flight Trainer Simulator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ifr-flight-trainer-simulator/id901798935)

Practice instrument flight rules (IFR) navigation with this simulator. Learn and improve IFR procedures, including VOR, NDB, and holding patterns. Offers cockpit and map modes with adjustable wind and built-in tasks for comprehensive pilot training.

**Highlights:** Cockpit and map modes, VOR, NDB, DME, HSI, EHSI, RMI instruments, Approach procedure practice, Adjustable wind settings, Holding pattern simulation, Custom scenario creation, Built-in training tasks

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| IFR Simulator Half Price | $11.99 | one-time |
| IFR Simulator Unlock | $24.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 User-friendly interface and intuitive controls
- 🎓 Excellent learning tool for IFR training and instrument procedures
- 🎮 Comprehensive customization options (wind, runway, conditions)
- 📊 Dual view modes (cockpit and map/plan view)
- 🎯 Realistic flight modeling and aerodynamics

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Aggressive monetization with limited free trial
- ⏱️ Unreasonably short trial period (3-5 minutes)
- 🔒 Paywall blocks most features in free version
- 🎯 Unrealistic immediate heading changes (no standard rate turns)
- 🐛 Occasional app crashes and stability issues

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes after short usage periods
- Heading indicator gets stuck causing continuous turning
- HSI radials appear to be offset or incorrect
- DME distance calculations may be inaccurate (slant range issue)
- Task completion triggers before reaching waypoints

**Requested features**

- Standard rate turn simulation for realistic intercepts and holdings
- LOC (Localizer) mode for HSI reverse sensing practice
- Fixed-card ADF instrument option
- Adjustable turn rate settings to match different aircraft
- Error feedback display showing incorrect flight paths


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Holdings free?

Holdings costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is IFR Flight Trainer Simulator free?

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Holdings or IFR Flight Trainer Simulator?

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator is rated higher. Holdings averages 2.8 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while IFR Flight Trainer Simulator averages 3.9 from 76 ratings.

### Do Holdings or IFR Flight Trainer Simulator have ads?

Neither Holdings nor IFR Flight Trainer Simulator shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Holdings or IFR Flight Trainer Simulator?

Holdings ships an update every 12 months, and IFR Flight Trainer Simulator every 3 months. Most recently, Holdings was updated on October 24, 2026 and IFR Flight Trainer Simulator on October 24, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*