Holding Pattern Computer App Icon

Holding Pattern Computer

with turn-by-turn directions

If you want that perfectly timed inbound leg while rolling out precisely on to the inbound course, then this app is for you!

holding pattern app iPhone

Fly the perfect holding pattern, every time!

Holding Pattern Computer makes it easy for the student pilot and seasoned pilots alike solve the most common planning and navigating problems related to flying a holding pattern. 

Our patented solution calculates wind correction angles, headings, and required timings, given the assigned fix, your speed, and virtually any wind direction and velocity up to 99.99% of TAS, outperforming all existing aircraft avionics systems on the market today. 

It shows which entry procedure is appropriate, provides turn-by-turn directions, and helps the pilot remain mentally oriented to the aircraft's relative position to the pattern, to magnetic north, and any effects of wind. 

If you want that perfectly timed inbound leg while rolling out precisely on to the inbound course, then this app is for you!

State-Of-The-Art in Holding Pattern Computers

Our exclusive, patented analytic solution enables Pilots for the first time to roll out precisely on to the inbound leg and fly it for exactly the prescribed time or distance, regardless of wind direction and speed.

How this app is different

This app is the finest, most advanced Holding Pattern Computer available today. It not only shows which entry procedure is appropriate, but it also helps the pilot remain mentally oriented to the aircraft's relative position to the pattern, to magnetic north, and any effects of wind.

Whereas other holding pattern apps and training devices suggest an appropriate entry procedure, direct, parallel, or teardrop, this Holding Pattern Computer takes it a few steps further. It provides turn-by-turn directions, including how long to fly a heading before initiating a turn - not just standard rate turns with bank limitations (30° manual flying and 25° with a Flight Director) but arbitrary turn rates too!

Why this app is better

Our Holding Pattern Computer App employs a sophisticated patented analytic solution developed by 51-year Aerospace Industry veteran and FAA Safety Team Representative Les Glatt, Ph.D., ATP/CFI-AI, AGI/IGI.

This app is the only holding pattern computer that automatically calculates ground track, wind correction angle, headings, and required timings, given the assigned fix, your true airspeed, and virtually any wind direction and velocity up to 99.99% of TAS.

Additionally, since the outbound time is measured from the point the aircraft turns to the outbound heading, it is no longer necessary to locate the abeam point. How's that for reducing Pilot workload!


Holding Pattern Computer For iPad

"As a flight instructor for over 40 years, it became apparent that the FAA training guidelines of using a trial and error method for correcting the track of the aircraft for winds to meet a specified inbound time to the holding fix, was only valid under a limited set of conditions. The development of the exact analytic solution of the ‘Generalized Holding Pattern Problem’ not only allows the Pilot to nail the holding pattern on the first circuit, but it also explained why the FAA method fails as the wind speed increased. The results of this analysis can have a major impact on how we train IFR Pilots on flying holding patterns in the future." - Les Glatt  PhD, ATP/CFI-AI, AGI/IGI  

Quick & Simple Data Entry

This app takes a step-by-step approach when entering holding data, using individual screens for each component which makes it much easier to focus on one element at a time while continuing to fly the airplane. The app consists of six tabs, each representing a data input screen. To switch to a different input screen, tap on one of these tabs located at the bottom of the screen.

Holding Pattern Computer - Hold Tab Screenshot

Hold Tab

The hold screen allows you to set the inbound radial, course or bearing to the fix and to set if the turns in the holding pattern are standard right-hand turns or non-standard left-hand turns.

Entering information is easy. To enter the heading of the inbound leg, tap one of the buttons titled Radial, Course, or Bearing. Then, tap on the white box at the top of the screen displaying the degree value to display an on-screen numeric keyboard, or you can rotate the dial in the middle of the screen using your finger. Next, set the turn direction by tapping one of the buttons titled Left or Right.

If you are using a flight director, or if you wish to use a turn rate other than the standard 3° per second, tap the area of the screen that displays the left or right arrow. You can enter a custom turn rate, or use the standard of 3° per second. If a standard rate turn is selected, the bank angle will be limited to a maximum of 30° when manually flying and 25° with the use of a flight director.

When the bank angle is limited, the rate of turn corresponding to the bank angle limit will be displayed under the Left or Right Turns Arrow.

Holding Pattern Computer - Leg Length Tab Screenshot

Leg Length Tab

This screen is where you define the length of the inbound leg.

Many holding patterns define the length of an inbound leg in terms of time, such as 1 or 1.5 minutes depending on altitude, but some holds define the leg in terms of distance, such as six nautical miles.

This holding pattern computer supports inbound leg lengths expressed in either time or distance using any of the following units:
• Seconds
• Minutes
• Nautical Miles
• Nautical Miles (UK)
• Statute Miles
• Kilometers

Holding Pattern Computer - Leg Length Tab Screenshot

Leg Length Tab / Circuit Time

Instead of setting the inbound leg length, you can use this option to calculate a one-circuit holding pattern that will return you to the fix precisely in the time you designate.

Hold time lengths are expressed in:
• Minutes
• Seconds  

Holding Pattern Computer - Aircraft Heading Tab

Aircraft Heading Tab

This screen allows you to set the heading of your aircraft approaching the fix. The computer will use this value to determine the recommended Entry Procedure for the hold and to guide your turns further.

You can change the value displayed in the heading field by tapping it to display an on-screen keyboard. You can also change the heading value by rotating the heading dial using your finger.

Holding Pattern Computer - Aircraft Airspeed Tab

Aircraft True Airspeed Tab

Use this screen to enter the aircraft true airspeed and/or calculate the required flight mach.

Along with wind data, the computer uses your true airspeed to determine your ground speed, wind correction angles, and the perfect length and heading for the outbound leg.

You can enter speed expressed in any of the following units:

• Knots
• Knots (UK)
• Miles per hour
• Kilometers per hour
• Meters per second 

Holding Pattern Computer -Windspeed Tab

Wind Direction & Speed Tab

With our wind correction calculation, you can fly an outbound leg that will enable you to intercept the inbound leg with a neat standard-rate turn, or custom rate - every time!

Use this screen to enter the direction and speed of the wind. You can rotate the dial to change the wind direction, or tap the value to display an on-screen keyboard.

Wind speeds can be expressed in the following units:

• Knots
• Knots (UK)
• Statute miles per hour
• Kilometers per hour

Holding Pattern Computer -Entry Procedure Tab

Answer (Entry Pattern)

The "Entry Pattern" sub-tab on the answer screen graphically depicts the recommended Entry Procedure and lists the steps necessary to fly it.

Direct, Parallel or Teardrop, the appropriate Entry Procedure is selected based on where the tail of the aircraft is located when it passes over the holding fix.

Additionally, the computer calculates which way to turn, left or right, which course and heading to maintain, and how long to fly a heading before initiating a turn. 

Holding Pattern Computer - Hold Pattern Tab
Holding Pattern Computer - Hold Pattern Tab

Answer (Hold Pattern)

The "Hold Pattern" tab on the answer screen graphically depicts the calculated Holding Procedure and lists the steps necessary to fly it.

The holding pattern computer calculates which way to turn, left or right, which course and heading to maintain, and how long to fly a heading before initiating a turn.

The shape of the holding pattern depicted on this screen is derived from a completely analytic solution, rather than rule-of-thumb formulas, and is more accurate than the recommendations found in the Airman Information Manual, especially when in the presence of strong winds. 

But wait, there's more!

We've also included an onboard user guide, the seminal paper: "A Treatise on the Holding Pattern: Expelling the Myths and Misconceptions of Timing and Wind Correction," and "Holding Patterns 101: Finding the Holy Grail of Timing and Wind Correction" by Les Glatt Ph.D., ATP/CFI-AI, AGI/IGI

For less than the cost of a coffee with your favorite flight instructor, you're getting the most advanced Holding Pattern Computer available and the information needed to help you master and fly the perfect holding pattern every time!

User Guide

Built-in comprehensive step-by-step user guide explains how to use every function of the app.

Treatise

A detailed technical paper that explains all the math of our exact analytic solution.

Holding Patterns 101

Finding the Holy Grail of Timing and Wind Correction.

Available on these App Stores

Download Holding Pattern Computer on the App Store
Download Nautical Caclculator on the GEOINT App Store
Address

Aviation Mobile Apps, LLC
8700 ASTRONAUT BLVD #1187
Cape Canaveral, FL 32920

Contacts

Email: Customer Service
Phone: +1 (800) 207-7142
Phone: +1 (321) 392-3104