# FAA IFR Instrument Rating Prep — user reviews > 76 indexed App Store user reviews of FAA IFR Instrument Rating Prep by Dauntless Software, rated 3.90/5 from 41 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/faa-ifr-instrument-rating-prep/id381230870/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/faa-ifr-instrument-rating-prep/id381230870.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 26 · 4★ 5 · 3★ 0 · 2★ 1 · 1★ 9 ## What do users think of FAA IFR Instrument Rating Prep? Overall sentiment: mixed **Pros** - 📚 Comprehensive question bank - 💡 Detailed explanations for answers - ✅ Helps learn material, not just memorize - 👍 User-friendly interface - 🚀 Efficient study methods (e.g., question stacks) - 💯 High scores achieved by users - 📱 Portability and convenience of app - 🔄 Regular updates to content - 💰 Good value for money - 🧑‍🏫 Recommended by instructors - 🌟 Instant feedback on answers - 🖼️ Informative graphics and illustrations **Cons** - 🐛 App crashes and freezes - ❌ Some questions not on the test - ❓ Questions worded differently than the actual test - 🖥️ Outdated GUI/interface - 🔗 Links to wrong figures - 🪦 Outdated FAA plates/figures - 🚫 App not opening/blank screens - 📉 Performance issues after updates - ⏳ Slow response from support - 🤔 Ambiguous or vague questions - 📱 Incompatibility with older devices **Commonly reported bugs** - App crashes frequently, especially after updates - Blank questions displayed - Lost progress after app crashes or closing - Question buckets/flags not saving correctly - Links to incorrect figures - Outdated FAA plates - App not opening - Issues with multi-tasking - Inconsistent GUI elements **Most requested features** - Add a scratchpad feature for calculations - Improve iPad optimization and graphics - Allow selection of specific number of questions for practice tests - Implement a search function for questions - Make app compatible with Apple Watch - Add dark mode option - Improve server availability for cloud features ## Newest reviews (13 of 76) ### 4/5 — Final score 87 despite intensive study w/ the App *2022-09-25* Scored an 87% on Helicopter Instrument exam, although I went through every module in-full 3 or more times and took multiple practice tests. They didn't have an option to submit your score through the app, like they did for the PPL app, so figured I'd post it here. Another classmate who studies rigorously too and also used Dauntless also scored 87%. On the PPL I scored 95% so I had hoped Dauntless would carry me into the 90s again for the Instrument written, but I ran into questions I hadn't seen. I really like what you guys are doing, just wish there was a way to provide feedback. -------- Old review from when I was still studying/had not yet tested: Latest update corrected the 60 question default issue on Continuous Study. And added in some other nice features. Thanks Dauntless team! Boosted it to 5 stars! Only question I had remaining now was why are some of the same questions repeated in a single study session of the exact number of questions in a module? Seems like the module count would go down if there weren't random repeats. I'm not talking about questions worded slightly differently. Just the questions that are exactly the same but included more than once. ### 5/5 — IFR Review *2019-01-10* I have purchased several online IFR training packages over the last year however the Dauntless Ground School Ifr is well put together and if you miss answer a question the correct answer along with the FAA answer populates this is very helpful for someone that is struggling with the information. ### 5/5 — IFR written ground school *2018-12-05, version 10.3.2* Great program. Easy to use ### 5/5 — Instrument and CFII review *2018-11-05* The Dauntless instrument review software is excellent. I’m using it to review for my CFII written, which requires that I essentially take the instrument written again… but it’s been a long time since the first time, and quite a lot has changed (or been forgotten). The questions, I understand, come directly from the actual tests. Some of the questions are ambiguous or vague, which make it especially important to understand ahead of time what they’re getting at. The explanations are logical and well written; I appreciate the direct, no-nonsense approach. And of course the cost is a big plus… much less expensive than other courses I’ve looked at. Highly recommended. ### 5/5 — Up to date *2018-09-14* I really appreciate the developers efforts in bringing current questions, legends, and figures into the curriculum which made my score of 97 on the IRA knowledge test possible. ### 5/5 — Passed my airplane instrument written *2018-08-11* i purchased the Instrument Rating Airplane app from the app store a few weeks ago and started using it immediately i enjoyed the different methods of questioning and honestly used them all from flash cards through test simulator- the question stack is a really great tool also and i used that quite a bit as well as it served as a reminder for me about which questions i had missed on past occasions which was helpful After studying for about three weeks in my spare time, I took my written airplane instrument knowledge test in allentown pa yesterday and scored a 97 in about 45 minutes of the two questions i got wrong, one was a simple mistake on my part and i over thought the answer and the other was a question i have never seen before about avionics and ifr certifications so i can say with confidence that your question database of around 1100 questions is thorough and largely complete I will be back for the commercial airplane written test prep Paul ### 5/5 — Ifr prep *2018-07-11* One of the best pilot exam preparation apps that I have seen. I have tried some of the apps from Sportys kings and Shepard and found that Dauntless software is the most straightforward package out there. I use the software on my iPad and on my iPhone. It allows me to constantly stay informed with the current FAA exam questions as I prepare for my Instrument exam day. The customer support is great I just sent them an email today and they responded the same day. Top-notch support. ### 5/5 — Lots of learning methods *2018-06-11* I’ve been a CFI for 25 years. Decided to finally upgrade to CFII. I looked and tried numerous other programs. I’m really impressed with Dauntless and their learning products, specifically the IFR test prep. Whether flash cards or formatted tests, the layout and ability to learn in a way comfortable to you is very useful. ### 4/5 — Scored 90 on my Airplane Instrument today *2017-11-11* The app has some awesome features that will really help you concentrate on your weak areas. Pick "all questions with no charts" for quick learning of IFR information, but definitely study and read the explanations. You can mark questions that need extra attention. The "stack" feature helps sort problematic questions. Reason for 4 stars.... there were about 4 questions I hadn't seen, nor read anything about on the actual test. A lot of the questions weren't verbatim, but close. The changes to the FAA test bank showed, you have to do a little more than just memorize the questions in the app. This app has approximately a 1200 question database. Hard to not recommend making a 90 today. ### 5/5 — Terrific test bank software *2017-11-03* The explanations are top notch and the question distribution will easily show you on which topics you need to concentrate. They also update the material regularly. ### 4/5 — Question PLT058 is currently wrong. *2017-07-11, version 10.1.0* Question PLT058 is currently wrong. ### 5/5 — Great App!!! *2017-07-06, version 10.1.0* I fail my IR test first time, that's why I got my self this app it helped me to pass my IR test on second try 88%!!!! ### 5/5 — Passed with a 90 *2017-06-26, version 9.6.11* Convenient app. I used with video programs but this drilled the questions I constantly missed. Recommended. ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — Disgraceful support! *2023-12-21* I have never come across such rudeness, arrogance and unprofessional comments regarding queries made about questions which were wrongly perceived as negative. Response from Dauntless was in the form of swearing, derogatory insults and a dis-proportionate reaction of being banned from their system. Absolutely disgraceful, and will circulate this to all platforms. If you read the descriptions of the questions about questioning those questions, you will see the highest levels of arrogance in which the developers will provide their responses. Appalling, disgraceful level of customer service!! ### 1/5 — None of the questions were on the test *2023-08-02, version 10.3.2* Although I was able to pass, none of the questions in the Dauntless app were on the test. I should have used Sheppard ### 1/5 — App not working *2020-12-16, version 10.3.2* App not opening ### 1/5 — Dauntless Is not the best Choice *2020-09-08* Use Sheppard Air. I have used both and there is no comparison. Sheppard gets my students ready much faster and results in much higher test scores. Dauntless' staff can be callous and difficult to access. They don't have a phone number to reach them with, and are generally slow to respond via email. The opposite is true with Sheppard. ### 1/5 — Not up to date *2019-05-07, version 10.3.2* I wrote the test today and 50% of the questions were completely different and never mentioned in the test. You could not use anything from the app to solve the question in the test. This was a shock! I passed but with a 80% and I had always 95%+ in the app. ### 1/5 — Nothing special! *2018-07-09* I bought the app thinking it would be more interactive or at least have videos explaining topics and questions. Unfortunately this app is nothing more then a bank of questions. There’s a study and flash card mode, but once again you are just being asked the questions over and over again. You can click to go to,in-depth paragraphs about the topic but honestly in today’s digital age an app should be able to do more than a textbook. I wish o could get a refund in this app because I won’t be using it. ### 1/5 — If you like being insulted by support... *2017-08-03* ...his is yours to buy! I contacted support on three issues, twice software not running, once for a wrong question in their portfolio. I was treated like being a stupid idiot not being able to read. So, if you like to spend 6-7 hours troubleshooting, like I did, before finally trying to get help from these guys and being treated like an stupid idiot, that has to be taught how to read the instructions, that is your deal! ### 1/5 — Disappointed *2015-10-24, version 9.6.3* For a app this expensive I think it should a Apple Watch feature I was disappointed ### 1/5 — Last update renders app useless *2015-04-24, version 9.6.2* Hoped this update would fix the issue introduced in last version where no questions display. Do not buy this app until it's fixed! ### 1/5 — Still not working *2015-04-23, version 9.6.2* It doesn't work even with the new update. In other words it does not work for the iPhone 5S and iPad Air I'm even more disappointed because I paid a lot of money for this app.. I hope you fix this soon, it's not about turning the device on and off every time or waiting like 5 minutes for it to work bc it doesn't anyways.. So please.. ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Recommend this to all of my students *2022-01-30* I recommend All of the dauntless test prep apps to my private, commercial and instrument students. You cannot go wrong using their apps. ### 5/5 — Fantastic App to have as an all in one! *2021-06-01* I recently purchased this great app, and found it very easy to learn from, and really like the instant explanations which holds plenty of great ways for me to learn how I missed the questions, with lots and lots of details that are easy to understand. I have purchased other Apps and books but most of them make me study in a way that I lose interest in short period of time. While Dauntless App makes me feel challenged yet engaged in an attention grabbing good way. Thank you Dauntless!!! ### 5/5 — 95 on Instrument Rating Airplane *2021-03-06* I enjoyed the question stacks and great explanations for each question. First I went through the entire question bank for each individual subject. Enabling question stacks will keep track of the questions you get wrong and it will keep asking them until you consistently get them right. After completing the entire bank of questions, I selected all of them and would do the 60 question practice tests. I did a lot of practice tests... Some questions on the real exam were worded differently, but dauntless taught me the material instead of brute memorization. Tips: -Save the test before you submit for grading, I had the app crash on me a couple of times. -Start with one subject at a time. -Go through the entire bank with each question graded immediately. -End with the 60 question practice tests. Good luck, you got this! ### 5/5 — Awesome App *2020-06-18* I have tried to use other applications to help me study for various FAA tests but they would have outdated questions or it would only be a final test and not help with the preparation of the test. I believe that the work that was put into this app but all the other apps that they have made is extremely well thought out and done in a fashion that makes it easy for the user to customize what they need to study for and what they are having trouble remember for the test. They also have amazing customer support for any questions that you have or any problems you have with the app. I would recommend this app to anyone who wants to study for an FAA test and be able to study anywhere at anytime. ### 5/5 — Best test prep *2020-03-03* Dauntless provides excellent test prep! After scoring 100% on the private pilot exam using their software, I knew that I would use their IFR prep as well. I just scored a 97%! They provide over one thousand practice questions. The questions cover all the topics and each question has an in depth explanation why the answer is correct, and just as importantly why the others are wrong. They support you learning the materials rather than memorizing correct answers. That makes all the difference when you take the actual exam and you come prepared for just about anything that might be asked. Lastly, the graphics in the explanations are very informative and help to understand complex topics like aerodynamics, flight planning and instrument failures. Great software! ### 5/5 — IFR ground school *2019-05-01, version 10.3.2* Buy it. Best of the interactive courses. I listen when not doing the online course or practice test. Listen while driving or walking Ned, Tucson Az ### 5/5 — Solid Learning App *2019-02-11* I an enjoying learning the Instrument Ground test with this system. I like seeing the correct answer as soon as I answer a guest ion wrong, along with a great explanation of the correct answer. Five a Thumbs up! ### 5/5 — Love the app, but... *2019-02-05* Cloud servers are unavailable for 2nd day in a row. Not a big deal until you launch the app and it's stuck for a minute until connection to server times out. This is really annoying. Either fix your servers or make that call in the background so you don't block people. After two weeks with the app, took my IFR test and scored 98% I did read the book and attended ground school classes, but this app gave me confidence and helped score much higher than I would without it. Having practiced with the same reference material as on the test, allowed me to quickly identify what I was looking for. Questions and answers on the test were slightly different, so make sure you understand the answer, not just memorize it. And the most important for last: question stacks boost learning like crazy - best part of the app. ### 5/5 — Great Product *2019-01-13* I was unsure about using Dauntless at first as the year prior I used Gleim for my private pilot test. However as I began to use Dauntless I understood it was a far superior product. Dauntless aids you in learning the material rather than just rope memorization. So when you go online and read that you need to buy Sheppard Air to pass the IFR test don’t believe it. I took my test back in December of 2018 and scored a 90% on it. It is nice having the portability of an app that you can use whether or not you have an internet connection. Dauntless has a system in place called question stacks that helps you master the questions you aren’t getting right, and I truly encourage the use of that feature as the night prior to my test I went through all my lowest stacks did about 300 questions and on the test the next day saw 10 questions from the bank I had done just the previous night. Overall great product and would recommend. ### 5/5 — BUY IT *2019-01-13* Used this software for my IRA. I enjoyed that it sorted questions I got correct and ones I got incorrect. I appreciated that it gave an explanation so I learned what the correct answer was and why. Once I was consistently getting results in the 90’s I took the written and got an 88%. I reviewed and found two questions that I didn’t read close enough. My mistake dropped my score; if I would have slowed down read and understood clearly what they were asking I would have got in the 90’s just like with the pre-test. I plan on using this software for commercial and CFII. I have several people I know who are students and I have guided them towards this software for their PPL. Don’t hesitate just buy it; worth the price. I would recommend checking their website for bundles if you plan on getting two or three ratings. Fly safe! --- *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 2026-08-27.*