# iBFDmonochrome

> Integrated backup flight display for pilots with recording capabilities. (iPhone/iPad app by Tatsuo Saeki.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ibfdmonochrome/id1413179229 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Tatsuo Saeki](https://appshunter.io/developer/1195301026)
- Category: Navigation
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.40/5 from 8 App Store ratings · 9 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 13.0 · 12 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2018-07-30
- Data updated: 2026-07-05
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ibfdmonochrome/id1413179229/reviews.md

## What is iBFDmonochrome?

integrated Backup Flight Display (iBFD)

Real 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 indicator (Sky pointer or Ground pointer) is selectable. 

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 information
- Multiple display color modes

## Recent user reviews (9 of 9)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ibfdmonochrome/id1413179229/reviews.md

### 4/5 — Nice but…

*2025-04-15, version 2.30*

So it was going well during my flight training until it said we crashed into the ground but we didn’t next second I’m in hospital so it is like 2 seconds off from the reality

### 5/5 — The artificial horizon just needs color

*2022-02-27*

But it’s five stars it’s really good

### 2/5 — Good idea, doesn’t work

*2021-11-15*

The artificial horizon precesses badly, the air speed indicator and altimeter do not work at all. I only give it 2 stars because it doesn’t seem to track any personal data or show any ads.

### 5/5 — Upside down?

*2021-05-29*

Forced into landscape mode, which is understandable. But the floating attitude indicators are upside down. 

Did I miss a setting?

### 5/5 — Used for my boeing 747

*2020-12-13, version 2.01*

I used this for my boeing 747 had around 300 passengers, my engine got hit by a bird and we slammed noes down into the ground, AND THE APP STILL WORKS VERY GOOD APP

### 5/5 — Precesses badly

*2019-08-05*

I’ve used this app several times on my iPhone 6S Plus (latest iOS) during several glider flights (Visual Meteorological Conditions). No matter the glider or where I place/secure/orient the phone during my flight(s), the Artificial Horizon (AH) begins to precess within 20-30 seconds. This precession continues until it’s completely useless. Pressing the “Alignment” tab resets the AH, only to have the precession begin again within 20-30 seconds. This issue really needs to be addressed/corrected before I will rely on this app as a backup to the aircraft’s instruments.

### 5/5 — Does exactly what it says.

*2019-03-24*

.

### 5/5 — Excellent

*2018-12-19, version 1.11*

This is a great backup. Always good to have a double check system. 
Pity the colour version is that much more out of the pocket.
Nice touch is the Zulu time clock as well.

### 5/5 — Must have for pilots

*2018-08-29*

I really like the simplicity of this, and the fact that GPS speed can be scaled for wind direction. An app like this is a must have for all pilots. If you’re in IMC conditions and your heading, attitude, or airspeed indicators fail this will get you out of trouble.

I’d love to see a version that can connect to a Stratux.

## Frequently asked questions about iBFDmonochrome

### What are the main instruments provided by iBFDmonochrome?

iBFDmonochrome provides an Attitude Indicator, Heading Indicator, Altimeter, Vertical Speed Indicator, Speed Indicator, Side Slip Indicator, and a Clock. It also offers a map display with airport direction and distance information on iPads in portrait mode.

### Can iBFDmonochrome be used as a flight recorder?

Yes, iBFDmonochrome can function as a Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR). This feature is activated by touching the red circle in the upper left corner and can be stopped by touching it again or automatically when significant G-force is applied.

### What sensors does iBFDmonochrome use?

iBFDmonochrome primarily uses the iPhone's 3-axis Gyro sensor. It also utilizes GPS and the Accelerometer with a Kalman filter for sensor fusion to prevent gyro drift and improve accuracy.

### Is iBFDmonochrome FAA certified?

No, iBFDmonochrome is not FAA certified and is not intended for use as primary flight instruments. The accuracy of its map and airport information is also not guaranteed, and users are advised to use the device at their own risk.

### What display color modes are available in iBFDmonochrome?

iBFDmonochrome offers three display color modes: Day, Night, or NVC (Night Vision Compatible). This allows pilots to adjust the display for different lighting conditions.

### How does iBFDmonochrome calculate airspeed?

Airspeed in iBFDmonochrome is calculated using GPS speed, wind direction, and wind velocity. Wind direction and velocity are obtained via ATIS and set manually by the user.

### What are the supported units for altitude and speed in iBFDmonochrome?

Altitude and speed can be selected in units of feet/knots, feet/MPH, or meters/kilometers per hour within iBFDmonochrome, offering flexibility for different pilot preferences and regions.

### Does iBFDmonochrome have ads?

No, iBFDmonochrome does not contain advertisements. It is a free application without any ad interruptions.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.30 — 2025-01-15

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 — 2024-08-07

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

### 2.171 — 2024-03-11

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

### 2.17 — 2023-03-27

Complies with latest iOS 16.

Add Device orientation manual setting switch.

Add Crash detection enable/disable selection switch.

### 2.16 — 2022-02-19

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

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## More apps by Tatsuo Saeki

- [iBFD](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ibfd/id1195301027)

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

## Related topics

[ibfdmonochrome](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/ibfdmonochrome) · [attitude indicator](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/attitude-indicator) · [flight instruments](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/flight-instruments)

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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 2026-07-05.*