Comparison

iBFD vs SkyReg

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

iBFD

This iPhone-based backup flight display offers pilots essential instruments like an attitude indicator, heading indicator, and altimeter. It functions as a flight data and cockpit voice recorder, utilizing GPS and gyro sensors for accuracy. While not FAA certified, it provides a valuable reference during emergencies.

Highlights
  • Attitude Indicator
  • Heading Indicator
  • Altimeter
  • Flight Data Recorder (FDR)
  • Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR)
  • Map with airport direction/distance
  • Multiple display color modes
Features
Read full description

integrated Backup Flight Display (iBFD) 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 indication by Sky pointer and Ground pointer. 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.

About

SkyReg

Identify clouds and other sky objects using your smartphone camera. The app classifies clouds, calculates their height and distance, and shows their location on a map. It's useful for pilots, meteorologists, and sky enthusiasts.

Highlights
  • Cloud identification via camera
  • Cloud classification with ML model
  • Height and distance calculation
  • Location of other sky objects
  • Map display of object locations
  • Intuitive interface
Features
Read full description

SkyReg is a powerful app for identifying the locations of sky objects, such as clouds, using your smartphone's camera. Ideal for pilots, meteorologists, and anyone interested in sky observation or weather control. Key Features of SkyReg: - Cloud Identification: Point your smartphone camera at a cloud, snap a photo, and the app will classify the cloud and calculate its approximate location on the map. - Cloud Classification: The app uses a built-in machine learning model to determine the type of cloud. - Height and Distance Calculation: Find out the height of the cloud and its distance from your current location. - Location of Other Objects: SkyReg can also determine the location of any other objects if you know their height. Simply point the camera at the object and enter its height in the app. Who Should Use SkyReg: - Pilots: Quickly and accurately identify clouds and other sky objects to assist in flight planning and navigation. - Meteorologists: Use the app to monitor clouds and other weather phenomena. - Sky Enthusiasts: Learn more about the clouds above you and how far they are from you. - Weather Enthusiasts: Interested in weather? SkyReg helps you find out how far away that big dark cloud is and whether you should expect rain. How to Use SkyReg: 1. Open the app and point the camera at the object of interest. 2. Press the button to capture a photo. 3. The app will classify the object and show its location on the map. 4. If targeting an object with a known height, simply enter this height, and SkyReg will calculate its position. Features: - Intuitive interface. - Fast and accurate cloud identification. - Support for other sky objects. - Map showing your current location and object locations. SkyReg is your reliable assistant for identifying sky objects. Learn more about the sky above you and become a true cloud expert with SkyReg!

Screenshots

iBFD2 screens
SkyReg2 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: iBFD at 67% against SkyReg's 0%. iBFD also leads on rating (3.5 vs 1.0) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). SkyReg's advantage is price (Free vs $11.99) and update cadence (every 5 days vs every 3 months). On ratings volume, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

SkyReg is free to download; iBFD costs $11.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

iBFD holds the better App Store score, 3.5 against 1.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4 and 2 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 67% of iBFD's written reviews are positive against 0% of SkyReg's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

iBFD ships an update every 3 months, SkyReg every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and June 1, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
iBFD versus SkyReg: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameteriBFDSkyReg
Price$11.99Free — better
Rating3.5 (4 ratings) — better1.0 (2 ratings)
Positive reviews66.7% of reviews — better0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings4 — better2
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 5 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS13.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size13 MB6 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTatsuo SaekiILTERRA YAUHEN PANIMATCHANKA

Customer experience

iBFD

All ratings4 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral25.0%
Negative25.0%
Written reviews9 reviews
Positive66.7%
Neutral11.1%
Negative22.2%

SkyReg

All ratings2 ratings
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

In-app purchases

None

iBFD

No in-app purchases

None

SkyReg

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is iBFD free?
iBFD costs $11.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is SkyReg free?
SkyReg is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, iBFD or SkyReg?
iBFD is rated higher. iBFD averages 3.5 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while SkyReg averages 1.0 from 2 ratings.
Do iBFD or SkyReg have ads?
Neither iBFD nor SkyReg shows ads.
Which is updated more often, iBFD or SkyReg?
iBFD ships an update every 3 months, and SkyReg every 5 days. Most recently, iBFD was updated on September 22, 2026 and SkyReg on June 1, 2026.

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