Holding Patterns: Direct, Teardrop, and Parallel Entries Explained
ATC says hold and you have 30 seconds to react. The three holding pattern entries — direct, teardrop, parallel — how to pick one, and fly it in MSFS.
Practise programming the Airbus MCDU and Boeing FMC with guided scenarios and instant feedback — no simulator required. Then go deeper with our in-depth guides, approach plate quizzes, and performance tools.

Interactive tools that teach real airliner procedures — no download, no simulator, no account required to start.

Practise programming the Airbus A320 MCDU right in your browser. Guided scenarios walk you through route entry, INIT page setup, and performance configuration with instant feedback.
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Learn the Boeing 737 FMC/CDU with interactive scenarios — the same procedures PMDG 737 pilots use, from cold and dark to cruise.
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Real FAA and UK AIP approach plates with 10 questions each. Find the localiser frequency, decision altitude, missed approach procedure, and MSA — the same information you brief before every approach.
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Calculate V1, Vr, V2 speeds and FLEX temperatures for the A320 based on weight, flap setting, and conditions. Cross-referenced against FCOM data.
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ATC says hold and you have 30 seconds to react. The three holding pattern entries — direct, teardrop, parallel — how to pick one, and fly it in MSFS.

From ignoring trim to flying alone too long, these common mistakes hold back new pilots. Learn what they are, why they happen, and how to break the habits before they stick.

SID and STAR plates decoded using real FAA charts from JFK — every symbol explained, plus how to fly them in the PMDG 737 and Fenix A320.
The SimTuts MCDU trainer is a free, browser-based simulation of the Airbus A320 MCDU. Guided scenarios walk you through real procedures — route entry, INIT page setup, performance configuration, SID/STAR selection — with instant feedback on every keystroke. There's also a Boeing 737 CDU trainer covering the same ground for the PMDG 737. No simulator or download required.
Yes. The core A320 MCDU and Boeing 737 CDU scenarios are completely free and don't require an account. SimTuts Premium adds advanced scenarios, AI feedback on your technique, extra approach plates, the A320 takeoff performance calculator, SimBrief import that builds a guided prep for your actual flight, and progress sync across devices. Cancel anytime.
Premium unlocks advanced MCDU and CDU scenarios, AI-powered assessment feedback, the full approach plate quiz library, the A320 takeoff performance calculator, full AI debriefs in the ATC radio practicer, and cloud progress sync across devices. SimBrief import turns your own OFP into a guided walkthrough of your actual route, SID, airways and V-speeds. It covers both the A320 and 737 trainers in one subscription. Cancel anytime.