# ATC SkyDecode: Air Traffic — Listen, Decode, Learn ATC

> Live air traffic control audio and real-time global flight tracking. (iPhone/iPad app by Tap Water.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/atc-skydecode-air-traffic/id6760329720 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Tap Water](https://appshunter.io/developer/1879967896)
- Category: Utilities
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.50/5 from 250 App Store ratings · 22 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 17+
- Requires: iOS 15.6 · 45 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2026-03-26
- Data updated: 2026-08-31
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/atc-skydecode-air-traffic/id6760329720/reviews.md

## What is ATC SkyDecode?

SkyDecode brings two things together for student pilots, aviation English learners, and aviation enthusiasts: a way to get familiar with ATC communications, and a real-time view of what's flying around the world.

What you get

ATC dialogues with synchronized text
- Each ATC dialogue is paired with a synchronized text view, so you can follow along visually while you listen.
- A natural way to pick up phraseology, callsign formats, and the flow of typical exchanges — without having to decode every word by ear.

Real-time global flight tracking
- A live flight map powered by adsb.fi, with sub-5-second refresh.
- Tap any aircraft on the map to see its callsign, altitude, ground speed, heading, and squawk code.
- Watch global air traffic move in real time, anywhere in the world.

Built for focused use
- A clean, dark, radar-inspired interface that's easy on the eyes during extended sessions.

SkyDecode is an independent app and is not affiliated with any air traffic control authority or live ATC monitoring service.

Terms of Service: https://www.tapwater.life/terms-of-use
Privacy Policy: https://www.tapwater.life/privacy-policy

## Key features

- Synchronized ATC dialogues with text
- Real-time global flight map
- Aircraft details on tap
- Clean, dark interface
- Aviation phraseology learning

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**Subscriptions**

| Subscription | Price | Period |
| --- | --- | --- |
| SkyDecode Premium monthly | $19.99 | per month |
| SkyDecode Premium yearly | $49.99 | per year |
| SkyDecode Premium weekly | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| SkyDecode Premium weekly 3dt | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| SkyDecode Premium yearly 3dt | $49.99 | per year |
| SkyDecode Premium weekly first week | $5.99 | per 7 days |

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| skydecode lifetime $79.99 | $79.99 | one-time |


## Recent user reviews (10 of 22)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/atc-skydecode-air-traffic/id6760329720/reviews.md

### 2/5 — No Trial

*2026-07-08*

As far as I can see, there’s no opportunity to try the app before you have to pay. I’d like to know what airports and centers this covers because certainly there are limitations. I’d like to know how it does handoffs. I’d like to know if it shows other information about aircraft such as altitude.

**Developer response:** Thank you for your valuable feedback, and we sincerely apologize for the less-than-ideal experience. We truly value every user’s input and will take your suggestions seriously as we continue to improve the app. We hope to bring you a smoother and more thoughtful experience in the future.

### 1/5 — Not worth the download

*2026-07-06*

As soon as you download, your instantly pushed to subscribe, you can’t listen to anything if you don’t subscribe, no free trials and who know if it’s even live. Don’t do it

**Developer response:** Thank you for your valuable feedback, and we sincerely apologize for the less-than-ideal experience. We truly value every user’s input and will take your suggestions seriously as we continue to improve the app. We hope to bring you a smoother and more thoughtful experience in the future. Thank you for your understanding – if you have any other questions, feel free to reach out anytime.

### 1/5 — Pay only

*2026-06-08*

No way to test drive this - seems to be a bunch of simulated recordings that they try to pass off a real-time - ads are misleading

**Developer response:** Hello.Sometimes the dialogue between the aircraft and the airport control tower is not triggered, which may result in no sound. We will continue to improve the experience to bring you smoother gameplay. Thank you for your understanding and support!

### 1/5 — Not Free

*2026-05-24*

Can’t even use the app without paying

**Developer response:** Hello, thank you for your feedback. We will continue to optimize the user experience.

### 1/5 — Nicht Kostenlos

*2026-05-19*

Keine Kostenlose Test Version

**Developer response:** Hello, thank you for your feedback and support of the app. We will continue to optimize the user experience.

### 1/5 — Avoid

*2026-05-16*

No way to cancel the subscription

**Developer response:** Thank you for your feedback. We will continue to optimize the user experience.

### 1/5 — App sucks

*2026-05-14*

Air traffic isn't real, flight numbers etc are fake. The air traffic they claim doesn't even show up on the actual radar. I'm at LAX not a single plane supposedly coming out on the app is taxing, landing or taking off

**Developer response:** Thank you for your feedback. This may be because sometimes there is no communication with the control tower at the airport, resulting in no sound. We will continue to optimize the experience.

### 1/5 — Scam

*2026-05-10*

I don’t understand why it is 4.4 stars - you need to pay to open the app

**Developer response:** Hello, thank you for your feedback. We will continue to optimize the user experience.

### 1/5 — TOTAL SCAM

*2026-05-09*

This app is a complete and total scam. The reviews are fake. I paid the $6 for a week to access it and all the radio transmissions are just computer generated and not real at all.

**Developer response:** Thank you for your feedback. This may be because sometimes there is no communication with the control tower at the airport, resulting in no sound. We will continue to optimize the experience.

### 1/5 — DO MOT WASTE YOUR MONEY!

*2026-05-08*

Every where in the app preview it tells you that it live. That is totally false and I caught them within 5 minutes of downloading the app. The ATC was talking to an airline that hasn’t existed for days! That certainly isn’t live.  

Top that all off I can’t find where to cancel this darn app.  I guess I’m going to call my credit card company and explain this to them so I don’t pay for this falsely advertised app. 

I would give them zero stars if I could.

**Developer response:** Thank you for your feedback. This may be because sometimes there is no communication with the control tower at the airport, resulting in no sound. We will continue to optimize the experience.

## Frequently asked questions about ATC SkyDecode

### What is SkyDecode?

SkyDecode provides live air traffic control audio with synchronized text and a real-time global flight tracking map. It's designed to help users familiarize themselves with ATC communications and observe global air traffic.

### Does SkyDecode have ads?

No, SkyDecode does not contain advertisements. The app is free to download and use, with optional in-app purchases for premium features.

### What are the subscription options for SkyDecode?

SkyDecode offers several subscription plans, including weekly, monthly, and yearly options. Weekly plans start at $5.99 and may include free trial periods. Monthly and yearly plans are also available for extended access.

### What information can I see about aircraft in SkyDecode?

When you tap an aircraft on the live flight map, SkyDecode displays its callsign, altitude, ground speed, heading, and squawk code. This allows for detailed observation of individual flights.

### Is SkyDecode suitable for learning aviation phraseology?

Yes, SkyDecode is built to help users pick up aviation phraseology. The synchronized ATC dialogues with text allow you to follow along visually while listening, making it easier to learn callsign formats and typical exchange flows.

### What devices does SkyDecode support?

SkyDecode is currently supported on iPhone and iPod devices. The app is designed to be compatible with these Apple mobile platforms.

### How often is SkyDecode updated?

The latest version of SkyDecode is 4.0.3, which was last updated on May 25, 2026. This indicates a recent update, suggesting ongoing development and support for the application.

### What is the age rating for SkyDecode?

SkyDecode has an age rating of 17+. This rating is typically assigned due to the nature of the content or complexity of the application, which may be more suitable for older users.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 4.1.0 — 2026-07-14

Added new features and improvements.

### 4.0.6 — 2026-07-09

Added new features and improvements.

### 4.0.5 — 2026-07-09

Added new features and improvements.

### 4.0.4 — 2026-07-02

Updated App Store screenshots to better showcase the app experience.

### 4.0.3 — 2026-05-25

Added new features and UI improvements.

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All apps by Tap Water: https://appshunter.io/developer/1879967896

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-31.*