# fDeck vs NOTAM Briefing (VFR/IFR)

fDeck and NOTAM Briefing (VFR/IFR) both sit at 4.8 stars, but that hides the real split: 90% of fDeck's written reviews are positive against 52% of NOTAM Briefing (VFR/IFR)'s. fDeck also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). NOTAM Briefing (VFR/IFR)'s advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 16.0). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. fDeck sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. NOTAM Briefing (VFR/IFR) asks for nothing beyond the download.

fDeck holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 329 and 303 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 90% of fDeck's written reviews are positive against 52% of NOTAM Briefing (VFR/IFR)'s.

fDeck ships an update every 3 weeks, NOTAM Briefing (VFR/IFR) every 2 months. Both last shipped on October 29, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | fDeck | NOTAM Briefing (VFR/IFR) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (329 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fdeck-flight-instruments/id1265762347/reviews)** | [4.6 (303 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/notam-briefing-vfrifr/id1549397186/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **329** | 303 |
| Positive reviews | **90.0% of reviews** | 51.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 141 MB | 58 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Darren Yeates](https://appshunter.io/developer/1265762346) | [Hermann Hoelter](https://appshunter.io/developer/1547117884) |

## What reviewers say

### fDeck

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fdeck-flight-instruments/id1265762347)

This app provides a comprehensive flight deck with realistic instruments for aviation enthusiasts and pilots. It includes navigation tools, real-time weather, and traffic data, functioning as both a training aid and a supplementary instrument set.

**Highlights:** Realistic flight instruments (HSI, VOR, ADF, etc.), Interactive aviation moving map, Live weather and ADS-B traffic data, Radio navigation training simulation, Worldwide aviation database, X-Plane flight simulator integration

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| fDeck monthly lounge access | $3.99 | per month |
| fDeck annual lounge access | $24.99 | per year |
| fDeck lifetime lounge access | $49.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Extremely easy to use and navigate
- 💡 Comprehensive aviation instruments (compass, altimeter, VSI, attitude indicator, ADF, VOR, HSI)
- 🎯 Useful for training, learning, and practice
- ✈️ Reliable backup instrument for real flights
- 🗺️ Integrated map and flight planning features

**What reviewers complain about**

- 📺 Intrusive ads in free version (full-screen, hard to close)
- 🔄 Compass and map pointer display inverted on some devices
- 🗺️ Map loading issues and missing sectional charts
- 🔌 X-Plane simulator connection glitchy and unreliable
- 📱 No iPad split-screen support

**Reported bugs**

- Compass inverted display
- Map pointer inverted
- VOR OBS reverse sensing (TO/FROM indication incorrect)
- Maps fail to load/display
- X-Plane simulator connection unreliable

**Requested features**

- Compass horizontal configuration support (180 degrees)
- CarPlay functionality for in-vehicle navigation
- EFIS version for advanced glass cockpit simulation
- Local NOTAM integration
- CAA airspace overlay for UK users


### NOTAM Briefing (VFR/IFR)

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/notam-briefing-vfrifr/id1549397186)

This app helps general aviation pilots quickly access and understand critical air traffic information before flights. It allows users to define flight paths, filter notices, and view them on a map or in text. An integrated translation feature makes notices more accessible.

**Highlights:** Custom NOTAM queries for departure/destination, Filter NOTAM results, Interactive map view of NOTAMs, Automatic NOTAM translation, Up-to-date flight information, Support for VFR and IFR

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is fDeck free?

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

### Is NOTAM Briefing (VFR/IFR) free?

NOTAM Briefing (VFR/IFR) is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, fDeck or NOTAM Briefing (VFR/IFR)?

fDeck is rated higher. fDeck averages 4.8 out of 5 from 329 ratings, while NOTAM Briefing (VFR/IFR) averages 4.6 from 303 ratings.

### Do fDeck or NOTAM Briefing (VFR/IFR) have ads?

Neither fDeck nor NOTAM Briefing (VFR/IFR) shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, fDeck or NOTAM Briefing (VFR/IFR)?

fDeck ships an update every 3 weeks, and NOTAM Briefing (VFR/IFR) every 2 months. Most recently, fDeck was updated on October 29, 2026 and NOTAM Briefing (VFR/IFR) on October 29, 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.*