Tower Drill
ATC Radio Training
About
Practice aviation radio communications with realistic ATC instructions. This app helps student pilots overcome mic fright through repeatable drills and structured lessons, offering different practice modes and an optional on-device AI for enhanced training.
What's New in Tower Drill
1.5
July 6, 2026
Redesigned for iPad: an adaptive two-pane layout puts your lessons in a sidebar with the radio session beside them in landscape. Day VFR and Night Flight: a new light theme to go with the original dark cockpit look, matched across the whole app. NEW FAA field diagrams (Pro): see the real airport diagram right in your home-field and taxi lessons. More IFR: expanded arrival, approach, and holding lessons, with clearance destinations set to real fields within range of your home airport. Also: a cleaner "Listening" indicator while you transmit, and a tip for turning on richer over-the-radio controller audio with a free Enhanced voice.
MoreIn-App Purchases
$8.99
Tower Drill Pro
Unlock all 14 lessons, including full IFR departure.
Developer apps
FAQ
What is Tower Drill?
Tower Drill is an educational training aid designed to help student pilots practice aviation radio communications. It simulates realistic Air Traffic Control (ATC) instructions, allowing users to practice their readbacks and improve their confidence before actual flights.
How does Tower Drill help with mic fright?
Tower Drill addresses mic fright by providing short, repeatable practice sessions. Users listen to ATC calls, hold push-to-talk, and speak their readbacks, receiving scores on key words. This structured repetition builds familiarity and reduces anxiety.
What learning modes are available in Tower Drill?
Tower Drill offers three practice modes: Training mode shows exactly what to say, Coached mode provides key items, and Solo mode hides hints until the user is ready. This progressive approach caters to different learning stages.
Does Tower Drill require an internet connection?
Guided lessons work without downloading the AI model. The optional on-device AI model, which adds more varied ATC phrasing and richer busy-frequency practice, requires a download. Speech recognition runs on the device.
Is Tower Drill suitable for all pilots?
Tower Drill is built for student pilots. It covers essential topics like ICAO phonetics, standard radio phrases, IFR clearances, and emergency communications, making it a comprehensive tool for foundational radio work.
How much does Tower Drill cost?
The first 5 lessons and 24 drills are free to start. Tower Drill Pro, which unlocks all 15 lessons and 78 drills, can be accessed with a one-time purchase.
Is Tower Drill safe for children?
Tower Drill has an age rating of 4+. Its content focuses on aviation radio procedures, which are relevant for pilot training. The app is designed with privacy in mind, with all speech recognition and AI processing done on-device.
How often is Tower Drill updated?
The latest version of Tower Drill is 1.1, last updated on May 1, 2026. While specific update frequency isn't detailed, the recent update suggests ongoing development and support.