# iBFD

> Backup flight display and recorder for pilots, using iPhone sensors. (iPhone/iPad app by Tatsuo Saeki.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ibfd/id1195301027 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Tatsuo Saeki](https://appshunter.io/developer/1195301026)
- Category: Navigation
- Price: $11.99
- Rating: 3.50/5 from 4 App Store ratings · 9 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 13.0 · 13 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2017-03-01
- Data updated: 2026-09-07
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ibfd/id1195301027/reviews.md

## What is iBFD?

integrated Backup Flight Display (iBFD)

Pilots understand the risk of a primary flight instrument failure while flying.
In certain situations the loss of the Attitude Indicator is perhaps the greatest risk a pilot can face.

This iPhone based integrated Backup Flight Display (iBFD) is an inexpensive, easy to operate tool intended to reduce risk and improve safety if an instrument fails and no other backup is available.  

This application consists of an Attitude Indicator, Heading Indicator, Altimeter, Vertical Speed Indicator, speed Indicator, Side Slip Indicator, and Clock.
Furthermore, in the portrait mode of the iPad, a Map is displayed below the Attitude Indicator, and when you enter an airport code such as KFTW, the direction and distance to the airport are displayed.

It can also be used as Flight Data Recorder(FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder(CVR).  This function is activated by touching the red circle in the upper left corner.
Recording is stopped by touching the red circle again or it will be stopped automatically when large G is applied.

iBFD uses the iPhone's 3 axis Gyro sensor as its primary sensor.  Pitch and Roll angles are calculated using the Gyro data and the same algorithm as strap down Inertial Reference Systems (IRS). 

GPS and Accelerometer are used with Kalman filter as sensor fusion to prevent gyro drift and improve Accuracy.

The iBFD performs noticeably better than other comparable applications on the market.

Unfortunately the iBFD doesn't have FAA certification.  It doesn't have enough reliability for use as Primary Flight Instruments, and neither our software nor your iPhone have been subjected to rigorous certification tests.
And the accuracy of Map and Airport Information is not guaranteed.

All information displayed on the iBFD is for reference only!

Therefore, we are not responsible for any death, injury or damage as a result of using the iBFD. 
USE THIS DEVICE AT YOUR OWN RISK!

Nevertheless, during an In Flight Emergency having an iBFD is far better than having no instrument at all.  Particularly if in a limited visibility situation with an inoperative Attitude Indicator.

Engine vibration can affect accuracy of the iBFD, so special consideration must be given to mounting the iPhone to the cockpit instrument panel or glare shield.

Other features
 (1) There are three display color modes; Day, Night or NVC.

 (2) Altitude/Speed is selectable in units of feet/knots, feet/MPH or meter/kilometers per hour.

 (3) Airspeed is calculated using GPS Speed, Wind Direction, and Wind Velocity.
Wind Direction and Velocity are obtained via ATIS and set manually.

 (4) Pitch angle zero can be adjusted manually by touching center of the display or slider setting.

 (5) Magnetic Heading or True Heading, and GPS or M.S.(Magnetic Sensor) are selectable.

 (6) Settings Window for entering parameters and user preferences.

 (7) Battery Icon indication.

 (8) Recorded data can be accessed by Files.

 (9) Magnetic Heading can be adjusted with the slider.

 (10) Function to correct roll angle. However, when performing this function, the iPhone needs to be correctly placed horizontally.

(11) Local time or UTC is selectable.

(12) GPS Altimeter and Barometric Altimeter.

(13) Roll indication by Sky pointer and Ground pointer. 

Note: 
Initial roll and pitch angle are calculated using the accelerometer at the time of alignment (same as real IRS).
Therefore, if acceleration due to motion is applied during alignment, an angle error will occur.
However, such initial angle error automatically decreases with time and disappears after a few minutes in case of level flight.

## Key features

- Attitude Indicator
- Heading Indicator
- Altimeter
- Flight Data Recorder (FDR)
- Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR)
- Map with airport direction/distance
- Multiple display color modes

## Recent user reviews (9 of 9)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ibfd/id1195301027/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Super software

*2020-08-04*

I was circling at 40degs of bank in cloud when my horizon failed. Luckily I was testing this app at the time so just switched over to that... Worked perfectly, if I could give it 6 stars I would.

### 3/5 — meh ... could be better

*2019-12-07*

The roll and pitch zero-adjust should be a single tap/button, like a “cage” button. And as another reviewer commented, the app should be able to access the iPhone’s camera. 

Likewise, dampening the pitch and roll sensitivity should be “single-tap” because the idea is (I suppose) for pilots to use the app with their phones mounted in moving aircraft.  Pilots don’t have time to fiddle with deeply embedded settings and nested menus. 

Pilots have a myriad of other things going on in the cockpit and shouldn’t have to think about (distracted by?) setting the app.

In all, the idea is great, but it’s execution is poor —which makes its functionality useless. The design must be more of an aid, and not a distraction.

### 5/5 — Отлично!!!

*2019-06-23*

Проверена работа в полёте! Пожалуй, единственное рабочее приложение на iOS!

### 5/5 — I love it!

*2018-11-02*

Now boring driving on the freeway became pleasure! Thanks dude, you nailed it! It worths every penny! God bless you for coding this together!

### 4/5 — Great but could be better!!!

*2018-07-18*

Love this app!!!  One thing it needs, though, a Camera mode with the ability to adjust the zoom factor by pinching and squeezing/stretching the screen.  Another thing would be a blank background for use with an apple iPhone HDMI adapter.  Will give 5 Stars and recommend to ALL my friends (and YouTube Subscribers) if you add these features in the next update.  Then, it will be PERFECT!!!!!

### 5/5 — Standby Attitude

*2018-05-26*

A VERY impressive piece of software!

### 2/5 — Not worth 1/2 the price

*2017-10-02*

Not that accurate, especially when detecting roll as the AI tends to stick in a 10 degree bank, even if I haven't rolled. It's ok for messing around but the reason for the low rating is that it doesn't override the screen saver setting so if I forget to touch the screen periodically it goes off. Supplying constant power doesn't help. That makes it useless. I'm not about to change my phone settings every time I want to use the app.  I'm sorry I blew my money on this.

### 1/5 — Canuk

*2017-07-05*

Another AI app that is totally useless. This one turns itself off after 40 seconds. Not very useful as an emergency back up.

### 5/5 — Nickname test

*2017-04-16*

Does this name work?

## Frequently asked questions about iBFD

### What instruments does iBFD provide?

iBFD provides an Attitude Indicator, Heading Indicator, Altimeter, Vertical Speed Indicator, Speed Indicator, Side Slip Indicator, and a Clock. It also includes a map feature on iPads in portrait mode.

### Can iBFD record flight data?

Yes, iBFD can function as a Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR). Recording is activated by touching the red circle in the upper left corner and stops when touched again or upon significant G-force.

### How accurate is iBFD?

iBFD uses the iPhone's 3-axis Gyro sensor, GPS, and Accelerometer with Kalman filter for sensor fusion to prevent gyro drift and improve accuracy. However, the accuracy of the map and airport information is not guaranteed.

### Is iBFD FAA certified?

No, iBFD is not FAA certified and does not have enough reliability for use as primary flight instruments. Neither the software nor the iPhone have undergone rigorous certification tests.

### What are the display color modes available in iBFD?

iBFD offers three display color modes: Day, Night, or NVC (Night Vision Compatible). This allows for better visibility in various lighting conditions.

### What units can be used for altitude and speed in iBFD?

Altitude and speed can be selected in feet/knots, feet/MPH, or meter/kilometers per hour. Airspeed is calculated using GPS speed, wind direction, and wind velocity.

### Does iBFD have ads?

No, iBFD does not contain advertisements. It is a paid application without any ad interruptions.

### What is the price of iBFD?

iBFD is available for purchase at $11.99. This one-time purchase provides access to all its features.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.30 — 2024-12-28

1. Add MAP Heading Mode for iPad Portrait Mode
2. Fixed a bug in the direction display
3. Update Airport Data Base
4. Support for the latest iOS version

### 2.20 — 2024-08-06

1. Match iBFD and iBFD monochrome version numbers
2. Fixed magnetic orientation display bug
3. Fixed orientation display bug

### 2.04 — 2024-03-10

Complies with latest iOS 17.
Update Airport Data for iPad.
Hide the status bar of iPad
Fix portrait display error of iPad.

### 2.03 — 2022-12-26

Complies with latest iOS 16.
Add Device orientation manual selection switch.
Add Crash detection enable/disable selection switch.

### 2.02 — 2022-02-09

Compatible with iOS 15
Review the output file format.
Roll Indication by SKY pointer and GROUND pointer 
Add Barometric Altimeter.

## Apps similar to iBFD

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## More apps by Tatsuo Saeki

- [iBFDmonochrome](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ibfdmonochrome/id1413179229)

All apps by Tatsuo Saeki: https://appshunter.io/developer/1195301026

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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 2026-09-07.*