# FBOlink vs Pilot

The clearest difference is monetization model: FBOlink at free against Pilot's subscription. FBOlink also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 31 months) and ratings volume (12 vs 4). Pilot's advantage is rating (4.0 vs 3.6) and review sentiment (33% vs 8%). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. FBOlink sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Pilot sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $4.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Pilot holds the better App Store score, 4.0 against 3.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 12 and 4 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 8% of FBOlink's written reviews are positive against 33% of Pilot's.

FBOlink ships an update every 2 months, Pilot every 31 months. The most recent releases landed on June 1, 2026 and June 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | FBOlink | Pilot |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.6 (12 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fbolink-messaging/id1329221786/reviews) | **[4.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pilot-abbr/id1514884438/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **12** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | 8.3% of reviews | **33.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 31 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Subscription |
| Size | 13 MB | 10 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [SEND SOLUTIONS, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1120177382) | [Pedro Jose Villarroel Cuevas](https://appshunter.io/developer/558476272) |

## What reviewers say

### FBOlink

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fbolink-messaging/id1329221786)

Facilitates direct, real-time text messaging between aircrew and Fixed Base Operator (FBO) Customer Service Representatives. Enables communication of itinerary changes and passenger requests from anywhere globally, including when outside radio range. Includes aircraft details and read receipts for efficient coordination.

**Highlights:** Direct real-time messaging, Global communication via internet, Includes aircraft tail number and type, Read receipts for confirmation, In-flight itinerary updates, Passenger request accommodation

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 20 MyTIS Credits | $5.00 | one-time |


### Pilot

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pilot-abbr/id1514884438)

This reference app provides flight crews with fast, offline access to over 14,000 aviation abbreviations and acronyms. It includes organized lists for general terms, datalink messages, airports, aircraft registrations, and airlines, drawing from numerous international sources.

**Highlights:** Offline access to 14,000+ aviation abbreviations, Organized lists: general, CPDLC, airports, registrations, airlines, Covers FAA, NOTAM, EASA, Jeppesen, and more, Fast and intuitive search functionality, Created by a pilot for pilots, Optimized for flight planning and in-flight reference

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| PilotAbbr Subscription | $4.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is FBOlink free?

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

### Is Pilot free?

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

### Which has better reviews, FBOlink or Pilot?

Pilot is rated higher. FBOlink averages 3.6 out of 5 from 12 ratings, while Pilot averages 4.0 from 4 ratings.

### Do FBOlink or Pilot have ads?

Neither FBOlink nor Pilot shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, FBOlink or Pilot?

FBOlink ships an update every 2 months, and Pilot every 31 months. Most recently, FBOlink was updated on June 1, 2026 and Pilot on June 6, 2026.

---

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