Holding pattern trainer
Holding pattern trainer
Random clearances, an entry quiz before you reach the fix, and real-time grading of the hold you actually fly.
7-day free trial, no card required. Includes Just Fly, the Intercept Trainer and the Hold Visualiser. Reverts to the free tier when it ends; you are never charged automatically.
How the trainer works
The trainer issues a procedurally generated hold: fix, inbound course and turn direction. The difficulty setting controls how much wind you get, from none to 30-60 kt.
Before the fix, the entry quiz asks for direct, parallel or offset.
Fly the entry and the pattern on real instruments. The debrief compares your flown track against the ideal one, and ICAO tracking tolerances.
Included with Pro
- Procedurally generated holding clearances
- Entry quiz covering direct, parallel and offset (teardrop)
- Real-time grading with a track-versus-ideal debrief
- Realistic wind, so outbound timing and drift correction both matter
- Time acceleration up to 20x to fly far more holds per session
- Companion Hold Visualiser for the wind-corrected pattern and entry path
Learn the theory alongside the practice
Every guide below is free to read, with no account needed.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an app to practise holding patterns?
Yes. The Radio Navigator Holding Pattern Trainer runs in your browser on PC, Mac, tablet and phone, with nothing to download. It generates random holding clearances, quizzes you on the entry, and grades the hold you fly.
Does it teach hold entries?
Every scenario opens with an entry quiz: you choose direct, parallel or offset (teardrop) before reaching the fix and get instant feedback. The free study guides cover the underlying theory in full.
Can I practise holding with wind?
Yes. Wind is modelled realistically, so entries, outbound timing and drift correction all behave as they do in the aircraft. The Hold Visualiser shows the wind-corrected pattern for any scenario.
Is the Holding Trainer included in the free trial?
No. The 7-day cardless trial covers Just Fly, the Intercept Trainer and the Hold Visualiser. The Holding Trainer is part of full Pro, available by subscription or as a fixed-term package. You can practise hold entries by hand for free in the free simulator.
Do I need a flight simulator installed?
No. Radio Navigator is entirely browser-based and works on any modern browser, including tablets and phones.
Open the trainer, or try the underlying skills free in the browser first.
7-day free trial, no card required. Includes Just Fly, the Intercept Trainer and the Hold Visualiser. Reverts to the free tier when it ends; you are never charged automatically.