# Simionic G1000 (PFD) — user reviews

> 125 indexed App Store user reviews of Simionic G1000 (PFD) by 晨 李, rated 3.50/5 from 135 ratings.

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simionic-g1000-pfd/id501990787/reviews
- App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simionic-g1000-pfd/id501990787.md
- Rating breakdown: 5★ 63 · 4★ 16 · 3★ 11 · 2★ 15 · 1★ 30

## What do users think of Simionic G1000 (PFD)?

Overall sentiment: neutral

**Pros**

- 🚀 Fantastic for learning IFR ops
- 👍 Great for practicing autopilot
- 👍 Useful for learning the G1000
- 👍 Works well with simulators
- 👍 Realistic G1000 implementation

**Cons**

- 🐛 App crashes during approaches
- 🐛 Glitchy and unstable behavior
- 🐛 Difficult to use knobs and controls
- 🐛 Inaccurate CDI and navigation
- 🐛 Missing key G1000 functionality

**Commonly reported bugs**

- App crashes during approaches
- Altitude and heading bugs not working correctly
- FMS and flight plan integration issues
- Autopilot and VNAV not functioning as expected
- Frequent disconnects from flight simulators

**Most requested features**

- Add support for hPa altimeter settings
- Improve flight plan integration with simulators
- Add VNAV and vertical profile functionality
- Provide more comprehensive instructions and documentation
- Expand compatibility to more aircraft and simulators

## Newest reviews (13 of 125)

### 4/5 — Fantastic! Except for the app crashing.

*2025-08-31*

I really find this useful for learning IFR ops. It would be absolutely perfect, but the app keeps crashing while I’m mid approach. I really hope they update it to fix the crashes because other than that, this is an amazing tool to learn IFR without spending money on flight time.

### 3/5 — Good app but has some shortcomings

*2024-09-04*

Overall this is an awesome app to learn the G1000, especially for a new pilot. My only complaints are that sometimes it is pretty glitchy, especially when taking off. It will just shoot upward and continue to do so even when moving the iPad around to control it. I have to reset the app a few times to fix this. The second fix I would love to see is when flying a flight plan , when I hit OBS it does not actually “suspend” the route and will continue to fly it, which contradicts the point of the OBS button. Would love to see updates to these, otherwise fantastic app. I’d recommend it.

### 4/5 — Why can’t I open both PFD and MFD next to each other, perhaps with radio interface in between?

*2024-05-23, version 7.4.3*

It should not be hard to make both to open in same screen!

### 2/5 — PC/macOS only. No Linux!

*2023-12-10, version 7.4.1*

Sim ionic has yet to publish a plug-in for x-plane Linux. Thus, this will not work with xplane if you are running it in Linux.

I feel that should be clearly indicated on the App Store, so you can tell it won’t work before you spend $10.

### 2/5 — Needs to make easier to connect to sim

*2023-11-11, version 7.4.0*

I have been trying to connect both PFD and MFD in infinte flight simulator and it is extrememly difficult. If this could be made easier, it would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

### 3/5 — More function

*2023-09-13, version 7.4.0*

Great app. Wish they could’ve had more functionality by adding a steam gauge or round dial option

### 3/5 — Good for VFR, but missing VNAV makes it a no go for my IFR training

*2023-05-24*

Missing VNAV functionality, unable to declare altitudes for arrivals. VNV button non-functional for approaches. However, once you’ve manually reduced altitude to the faf using charts, it does capture the glide slope on the final approach leg. If this worked, it would be a usable substitute for the simulator’s G1000, but as is I had to scrap it and go with a second monitor instead.

Update:

I fly a real G1000 equipped trainer when able, but look to the sim for supplemental time.   I’ll post a side by side video when I have time to clarify.   But in short, yes your software can load an approach but it appears that I cannot modify the vertical profile.  Unable to rotate the FMS outer knob to even select the altitude fields.   Also missing is the ability to arm VNAV.  In the real G1000 when you press the VNV button, you will see VNAV appear in gray until active where it turns green.  In the Simionic app, I press VNV button and nothing happens.  It appears that this app is limited to GS arm for final approach, but no VNAV arm for arrival and initial approach portions of the flight plan.  

Also, for what it is worth, this functionality does exist in the Laminar G1000 emulation included with X-Plane 12.

**Developer response:** VNV mode is available and working.  Please refer to Garmin’s operational manual to get an idea of how it works.  For approaches, it’s possible that the navigation database in the app has some discrepancies or is not properly interpreted so some of the default altitude restrictions are missing.  I will keep improving it.

### 4/5 — Great app, minor issues

*2023-05-15*

This iPad app is a remarkable implementation of the G1000 functionality. I’m using it with X-Plane and as a standalone trainer. Since I’m flying a lot in European Airspace, the fact that this app only supports altimeter settings in IN and not in hPA is annoying. The developer had the idea to support that functionality since it is in the settings, but the app ignores the setting. It also does not matter if you have an X-Plane aircraft showing QHN in hPA; It does not cause this iPad app to switch. 

The app also supports custom profiles as in-app purchases, but the settings UI has a defect, so you can only select the bottom four profiles since the settings screen does not scroll up.

Like I said in the beginning, overall a great app, but I wish Simionic would pay more attention to smaller bugs, since those add up and weigh on the overall perception of a quality product.

**Developer response:** Hi, thanks for such a detailed review.  As a function in the G1000 system, altimeter setting can be set in either inHg or HPA.  Please press the soft key “PFD”->”ALT UNIT” to choose the unit you would like to use.  This is how it’s done on a G1000 system.  The custom aircraft profile list should be ok to scroll.  And, in the latest version the custom profiles can be selected on the aircraft page, no need to go to the customization page any more.  Please send an email to lichenpo@hotmail.com if there is still problem during the use of the app.

### 3/5 — App problems after update

*2022-11-19, version 7.2.5*

Almost everything works except for obs button, timer, loading a flight plan does not seem to be connected to Microsoft flight sim

### 4/5 — Awesome! except for…

*2022-03-28*

Truly great app, and I love that it works with any airplane in FS2020, even the Cessna 152!  My only gripe is the frequency adjustments.  Using the swipe and slide or tap is just so inaccurate and it’s a constant back and forth to dial in a COM or VOR.  If it could have the option to be typed in or maybe some other means to click/scroll the knobs it would be a 10/10 app. Still, for simming in XP or FS it’s worth the few bucks and works really well.

### 3/5 — Not 100% working on fs2020

*2022-03-16, version 7.2.4*

Inputs to fms does not reflect in fs2020

### 2/5 — Very Glitchy

*2022-02-24, version 7.2.4*

Hard to scroll with knobs. Behaves very strange. Will not track localizer only approaches. Very frustrating and negative learning as don’t know if this is the behavior of the sim or the G1000.

### 2/5 — Did not work as expected

*2021-11-29*

Purchased and tried using it on a flight in X-Plane.  GPS nav did not sync with the setting in the sim.  Nav mode would not engage.  Altitude capture did not work.  In fact none of the autopilot buttons worked correctly with my aircraft (using the default X-Plane G1000).  Some of the features worked well, but I didn’t feel like fiddling with it so I requested a refund.  Some people may find it useful but it isn’t for me.

**Developer response:** The app isn’t designed to mirror the built-in G1000.  It runs independently as well as the autopilot.  Please find user manual for the real G1000 to get to know the details of how the autopilot and flight director work.

## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated)

### 1/5 — No website anymore

*2025-07-05, version 7.5.0*

Uh, to use this software you must download the bridge app from their website. Which does not appear to exist anymore. So I suppose I will try to get a refund, unless anybody can steer me towards a copy of the app.

### 1/5 — App keeps crashing

*2025-02-09, version 7.5.0*

I run the app with the bezel for Xplane 11. When it works it’s really good, but the app continually crashes. No support or update to fix

### 1/5 — Do not get this app

*2024-09-05, version 7.4.3*

Very confusing with no instructions

### 1/5 — The touchscreen controls are unusable

*2024-07-31, version 7.4.3*

I picked this up as a task trainer for editing flight plans. The touchscreen bezel controls are totally lacking any functionality.

### 1/5 — Very Difficult to Use Knobs

*2023-09-24*

Graphics are great, but the knobs are extremely frustrating to turn. Trying to choose whether you’re on the inner or outer knob is a real pain. I wish they’d take a page from Garmin and set up their Sim knobs the way Garmin did. Also, THERE IS NO CENTER AUDIO PANEL ON THE PFD OR MFD VERSION. I tried to follow along with a King School video while using this, and it was almost impossible. Save your money and skip these Sims…..

**Developer response:** Hi, the G1000 bezel is full of buttons and knobs which makes it to be very crowded in the screen.  I’ve tried my best to make it’s easy as possible to manipulate those controls on a touchscreen.  If your iPad is connected to a keyboard you can use keyboard shortcuts for all the controls.  We also have our own hardware bezel and audio panel to work with our apps which provides the most realistic experience.

### 1/5 — Save your money

*2023-09-18, version 7.4.0*

Doesn’t work and crashes

### 1/5 — Great idea but doesn’t work

*2023-02-13*

I’ve submitted an email asking support about this problem. The airspeed, attitude, and altitude work however the cdi is way off and at times won’t show dme from a navaid even though it is shown on the actual flight sim. Is there any way to fix this? I was thinking about buying the bezel but won’t if this problem persists because I am working on my intstrument rating and this won’t be much help if the cdi and other navigational information doesn’t work on the app. Also the altitude bug lags a lot and the heading bug and cdi selection is regularly off by 1 or 2 degrees…

**Developer response:** Hi, sorry for my late reply.  Our apps are independent from the game and have their own navigation database.  It’s possible that there will be minor discrepancies, but in general they will work pretty good.

### 1/5 — Great app!

*2022-07-16, version 7.2.5*

Great app!

### 1/5 — Not functional

*2022-05-24, version 7.2.5*

I bought this app to practice using the G1000 as part of flight training. I've seen functional versions of G1000 apps before however this clearly is not one of the. Aerodynamics are widly off and you are unable to use many functions adequately.

### 1/5 — Doesn't start on iPad 4th Gen

*2021-11-12, version 7.2.0*

Confusingly the MFD app works totally fine and this worked before an update. Now it just crashes on open and nothing seems to fix the issue. Very disappointing.

## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated)

### 5/5 — So worth it!

*2025-03-13*

If you want to practice autopilot this is your golden ticket!  Altitude changes, gps navigation, heading mode, vor mode, approach mode, you name it.  Much cheaper to learn these modes on this app than in a sim or in the plane.  Yes there’s a glitch or two but you can practice autopilot RNAV approaches, ILS approaches, going missed, intercepting glide slope, etc.  Super helpful to learn the G1000 or just autopilot in general.  Worth every penny!!

### 5/5 — Great apps

*2024-01-12, version 7.4.1*

Bought both apps  around two years ago when I discovered MSFS2020. I was a private pilot with around 300 hours . However now in my seventies and haven’t flown in 25 years I was amazed  that flight simulation had become so lifelike . I had no idea that the technology had moved towards glass cockpits in even light singles. I was fascinated by G1000 suites in the simulator but looking more immersion I decided to try the Simionic apps, both PFD and MTD . Little by little with the help of You Tube  I taught myself how to use the product and about a year later I purchased a Bezel from Simionic.  While I am no expert I enjoy my sim hobby enormously and I believe the Simionic apps have helped in this respect. Early on I had a query and contacted the company direct. I received a very quick response from Li Chen himself. Sorted.The apps themselves are not expensive although the Bezel was  and also attracted VAT when delivered to the UK. Give the apps a go, I don’t think you will be disappointed.

### 5/5 — Great for AP-coupled IFR Approach Fun

*2023-10-28, version 7.4.0*

Great app!

However, it seems to always crash when approaching an inner marker with Marker audio enabled (found on KPDX Rwy 10R ILS).

### 5/5 — Works as designed

*2023-07-03, version 7.3.1*

Not sure about the other review. The purpose isn't to learn how to fly a plane, it's to practice using the G1000 interface with only the basic flight controls you need to properly practice. For that, this app has been great.

### 5/5 — mfs

*2023-01-11, version 7.3.0*

works great

### 5/5 — Load Flight Plan

*2022-08-08*

This is an excellent APP that allows you to become familiar with GPS navigation. I run X Plane 11 on a Mac. Be advised that a bridge plugin is needed for the app to connect to the computer running the simulator. This PFD simulator works great with the companion MFD. Be advised that 2 iPads are needed to use the MFD as the PFD sends info to the MFD. 

Now a question. Is there any way to load a flight plan into the PFD so that you don’t have to manually enter your flight plan? I create flight plans in Little NavMap and save them to my computer so that if I want to fly the same plan, I just have to load it into the PFD in the sim. It would be great if you could load your plan into the app PFD as manipulating the controls are a bit difficult. Failing that, it’s easier to program the PFD in the simulator, so I would assume that this flight plan information would show up in the apps, but it appears that that is not the case.

### 5/5 — Worked well with FSX

*2022-02-01, version 7.2.3*

I’ve had these apps for nearly 4 or 5 years now and can’t really complain, sure early issues with them but soon the developer, a great communicator dealt with all the bugs etc. Now I use them with MSF2020, at first there was a seamless transition and things were fine for a while but get this, you can’t blame the apps or the developer, the fault lies with the simulator FS2020, but like anything new it takes time to iron out the bugs and slowly but surely things are smoothing out each week and the flying experience with these apps is once again a pleasurable experience.

### 5/5 — Professional simulation of G1000

*2021-11-27*

This is the best and most complete simulation of G1000 and works not only as a stand alone iPad app, but also in conjunction with MSFS 2020 and other simulators, which makes it perfect to practice. Be sure that all the details have been simulated correctly, so if you can do something on the real unit, you can practice and replicate it in this fantastic simulation. Great job! I am super happy with the fidelity that this simulation brings me to practice while at home, even during hotel layovers where I don’t have my flight simulator setup, just with an iPad I can still practice everything I need. I highly recommend this G1000 simulator.

### 5/5 — Great app for your sim

*2021-08-29, version 7.0.1*

This app exceeded my expectations, even the built in simulator was a surprise. Integration with X-Plane 11 was painless. Any questions or concerns I had with the app were answered within the same day, at times within a matter of hours. To really appreciate the full functionality of this app I would suggest watching a few YouTube training videos, unless you’re already a real pilot. Thank you Li for a wonderful product and great customer support! One note to users that experience issues. Please make sure your WiFi network is reliable. For the several year’s I’ve owned this app and hardware I’ve found the product to be very reliable. No connection issues for me.

### 5/5 — Awesome app and working well with msfs2020

*2021-01-29, version 6.0.1*

I don't usually write comments, but this simulator is awesome

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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 2026-08-20.*
