# Instrument Pilot Test Prep — Study Buddy by Sporty's

> FAA Instrument Pilot written test preparation with study modes and detailed explanations. (iPhone/iPad app by Sporty's Pilot Shop.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/instrument-pilot-test-prep/id437392025 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Sporty's Pilot Shop](https://appshunter.io/developer/371817958)
- Category: Education, Reference
- Price: $14.99
- Rating: 3.10/5 from 16 App Store ratings · 28 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 13.0 · 28 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2011-05-18
- Data updated: 2026-08-24
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/instrument-pilot-test-prep/id437392025/reviews.md

## What is Instrument Pilot Test Prep?

Sporty's Study Buddy will prepare you for the FAA Instrument Pilot written test like no other study tool available with three modes of operation. Test material is expertly organized into categories based on subject matter and includes, questions, answers, correct answers, and detailed explanations.

• STUDY QUESTIONS BY TOPIC • 

Learning Mode allows you to create custom review sessions by selecting exactly which categories you want to review. Each session randomly generates the question order, and provides instant feedback based on your answer selection. Each question also provides a detailed description as to why each answer is right or wrong. These explanations were developed by Sporty’s team of Master CFI’s, based on their experience preparing students for the Instrument Rating. 

• REVIEW QUESTION FLASHCARDS •

Flashcard mode tests your knowledge by allowing you to only see the question without the answer choices. After answering the question mentally, you can then select to show the correct answer, and self-grade your progress along the way. This is a great feature that keeps you from being distracted by incorrect answers! 

• TAKE PRACTICE TESTS •

Test mode randomly generates a 60-question session from the entire database of published FAA test questions, simulating the real Instrument Pilot test. After answering all the questions, you’ll be given instant results, and have the option to review either all the questions, or just missed questions. Included in the review session are the same detailed explanations for why each answer is right or wrong. 

•PROGRESS REPORTS•

After completing each test your results are saved in the app's Progress Report section, where you can review previous scores and and a detailed history of each question and answer selection. You can also pause a partially-completed session, and resume it at a later time here.

Also includes the new upgraded test prep supplement (figures and legends) from the FAA, with new high-resolution images.

## Key features

- Study questions by topic
- Customizable review sessions
- Flashcard mode for knowledge testing
- Simulated 60-question practice tests
- Detailed explanations for answers
- Progress reports and test history
- High-resolution FAA figures and legends

## Chart rankings

- #193 in Top Paid · Education (US App Store)

## Recent user reviews (10 of 28)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/instrument-pilot-test-prep/id437392025/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Great for the instrument written!

*2021-11-18*

Used this as my primary study tool for the instrument written, and used Sheppard air as 
supplemental study material. Ended up scoring a 95%. Highly recommend

### 2/5 — Meh

*2020-08-04*

I used Sportys for PPL and it was great. I tried it for IR and there were maybe 5-10 questions that were the same on that written. Make sure you have additional/supplemental knowledge if you are gonna use this app.

### 3/5 — 题目不是很全

*2019-10-04*

题目不是很全，私照的可以用，这个就算了，已经踩了坑，慎用

### 1/5 — Not updated questions

*2019-09-14*

This app does not update about 117 questions.

### 3/5 — Overall an okay app

*2019-07-11*

I failed my written exam after getting a 90% on Sporty’s instrument test prep. The private pilot course worked great for me, however the instrument one did not cover a lot of the questions that were on the exam. I failed my first try with a 68%. I know that other people that used shepherd air instead of sportys had better luck for the written exam for the instrument rating. However, the private pilot one worked great for me.

### 2/5 — Lost my test

*2019-04-10*

I only had an hour to spend, but got a good way through my first practice test. Came back to it in a few days and my progress was gone - started me over in a new test!

### 5/5 — Passed mine on to the commercial written

*2018-11-18*

My study way of studying was by section. Also I would just press finish test to see the answers right then & there so I don’t overwork my brain, while saving time. P.s if you pass the instrument written, take the CFII written too. It’s pretty much identical

### 1/5 — Type Too Small

*2018-01-31*

What happened? Last update now you can't read the answers in flash card mode. Who picked out the small light gray lettering against a light gray background

### 1/5 — Nice idea, poor execution

*2017-12-13*

Not clear if Sporty’s is serious about this app.  [Downgraded from two to one star because test supplement figures are poorly scanned and critical data often illegible.]

The basics are here to review a question bank, but there’s no real integration in tracking progress across various modules, reviewing flagged questions, etc.  Reviews written five years ago easily still apply in Dec 2017.  You get a free iPad cleaning cloth from Sporty’s, but would have to pay $7 shipping to receive.

It’s a decent enough way to answer a bunch of questions and see what subject areas are weakest, including taking a practice exam.  Perhaps sporty’s doesn’t want to undercut its more expensive ground training apps, or stopped investing in improvements once the FAA stopped publishing the knowledge test bank.

I’m a CFII circling back to take my AGI and IGI written ten years later (for gold seal), so it will serve my purpose of identifying if/where I need to bone up prior to dropping $140 on CATS.  But this app probably isn’t too useful for any other purpose.

### 4/5 — Save & Quit then Resume

*2016-10-04*

The Save & Quit function is very helpful but finding the function to start where I left off wasn't where I expected.  It's found in the Progress Reports/Resume Session on the app's Home page.

It has a simple and friendly layout.

## Frequently asked questions about Instrument Pilot Test Prep

### What is this app for?

This app is designed to help you prepare for the FAA Instrument Pilot written test. It provides study materials, practice questions, and simulated tests to ensure you are well-prepared for the official exam.

### What are the main study modes available?

The app offers three primary study modes: Learning Mode allows you to study questions by specific topics, Flashcard Mode tests your knowledge without answer choices, and Test Mode simulates the actual 60-question FAA Instrument Pilot test.

### How does the app help track progress?

After completing practice tests, your results are saved in the Progress Report section. Here, you can review previous scores, a detailed history of your answer selections, and even resume partially completed sessions.

### Does the app include the latest FAA materials?

Yes, the app includes the new upgraded test prep supplement from the FAA, featuring figures and legends with new high-resolution images to aid your study.

### Is this app suitable for beginners?

This app is specifically tailored for individuals preparing for the FAA Instrument Pilot written test. It assumes a foundational understanding of aviation and focuses on the specific knowledge required for the instrument rating.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 3.11 — 2025-07-03

Performance improvements

### 3.9 — 2024-10-28

Many new and updated questions, answers, and explanations to more closely match the actual FAA knowledge test.
Performance improvements and bug fixes.

### 3.6.7 — 2024-10-10

-Test Prep study session categories for the Instrument Rating course have been re-organized to correspond with the areas of operations and tasks from the Airman Certification Standards.

### 3.6.6 — 2023-08-16

Updated FAA test prep question and answer database

### 3.6.5 — 2023-01-17

Updated FAA test prep question and answer database

## Apps similar to Instrument Pilot Test Prep

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Private Pilot Test Prep](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/private-pilot-test-prep/id414141811) | 4.3 (115) | $14.99 | Education |
| [Sporty's Pilot Training](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sportys-pilot-training/id1272775528) | 4.9 (11,008) | Free | Education |
| [Prepware Commercial Pilot](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/prepware-commercial-pilot/id338889475) | 2.8 (36) | $9.99 | Education |
| [Instrument Test Prep](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/instrument-test-prep/id1456043080) | 4.9 (152) | Free | Education |
| [Commercial Pilot Checkride](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/commercial-pilot-checkride/id731034160) | 3.1 (8) | $9.99 | Education |
| [Private Pilot Checkride](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/private-pilot-checkride/id385104649) | 3.3 (20) | $9.99 | Education |

## More apps by Sporty's Pilot Shop

- [Sporty's E6B Flight Computer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sportys-e6b-flight-computer/id371817955)
- [Private Pilot Test Prep](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/private-pilot-test-prep/id414141811)
- [Sport Pilot Test Prep](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sport-pilot-test-prep/id524105637)
- [Remote Pilot Study Buddy](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/remote-pilot-study-buddy/id1183997965)
- [Sporty's Pilot Training](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sportys-pilot-training/id1272775528)

All apps by Sporty's Pilot Shop: https://appshunter.io/developer/371817958

## Related topics

[instrument pilot test prep](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/instrument-pilot-test-prep) · [instrument rating](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/instrument-rating) · [instrument pilot](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/instrument-pilot) · [instrument pilot checkride](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/instrument-pilot-checkride) · [faa ifr instrument rating prep](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/faa-ifr-instrument-rating-prep) · [prepware instrument pilot](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/prepware-instrument-pilot) · [sportys study buddy](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/sportys-study-buddy)

---

*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 2026-08-24.*