# PilotPal vs RLM

The clearest difference is monetization model: RLM at free against PilotPal's free with in-app purchases. RLM also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 3 months) and rating (5.0 vs 4.7). PilotPal's advantage is ratings volume (663 vs 2). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PilotPal sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month and RLM sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

RLM holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: PilotPal has 663 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

PilotPal ships an update every 3 months, RLM every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PilotPal | RLM |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (663 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pilotpal-flight-planner-efb/id1060952159/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rlm-flight/id6448285133/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **663** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 55.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 19 MB | 6 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Tinybyte Apps LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1592418784) | [R.L.M. Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/289639238) |

## What reviewers say

### PilotPal

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pilotpal-flight-planner-efb/id1060952159)

This app provides FAA aviation airport charts and facility directories for easy flight planning. Access airport diagrams, frequencies, elevation, and helipad information offline. Stay updated with monthly chart revisions and quickly find nearby or favorite airports.

**Highlights:** Offline charts, Airport Facility Directories, Airport Diagrams, Airport Information (Maps, Frequencies, Elevation, Helipads), Monthly updated FAA charts, Nearby and favorite airports, Airport search

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Airport Diagrams | $0.99 | per month |
| PilotPal Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| PilotPal Pro | $19.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Clean and simple user interface
- 🚀 Quick access to airport information
- 📱 Effective airport directory functionality
- ⭐ Excellent customer support
- 🎯 Minimalist design with focused mission

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Paywall-locked features behind subscription
- 🔒 Subscription access issues and bugs
- 📊 Incomplete airport chart coverage
- ❌ Missing chart supplement sections
- 🚫 Difficult to unsubscribe

**Reported bugs**

- Subscription verification loop - shows already subscribed but denies access
- Airport diagrams not displaying despite active subscription
- App stopped working after February update
- General app functionality failures
- Missing settings/preferences menu

**Requested features**

- Airport diagram printing functionality
- Ability to sort favorites tab
- Front and back page information inclusion
- Improved search functionality for VOR locations
- Legend/index documentation


### RLM

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rlm-flight/id6448285133)

This aviation computer app offers a comprehensive suite of tools for pilots. It calculates various flight parameters, including altitude, airspeed, ground speed, wind components, and weight & balance. The app also features unit and currency conversions, making it a versatile utility for aviation professionals.

**Highlights:** Altitude & Cloud Base Calculations, Airspeed & Ground Speed Calculations, Wind Component & Correction Tools, Weight & Balance Calculations, Unit & Currency Conversion, Holding Pattern & Flight Plan Tools

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Lifetime Full Access | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PilotPal free?

PilotPal is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is RLM free?

RLM is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, PilotPal or RLM?

RLM is rated higher. PilotPal averages 4.7 out of 5 from 663 ratings, while RLM averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do PilotPal or RLM have ads?

Neither PilotPal nor RLM shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, PilotPal or RLM?

PilotPal ships an update every 3 months, and RLM every 3 weeks. Most recently, PilotPal was updated on September 22, 2026 and RLM on September 30, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*