# SimControlX vs iCESSNA Checkride Prep

The clearest difference is review sentiment: iCESSNA Checkride Prep at 100% against SimControlX's 50%. iCESSNA Checkride Prep also leads on price (Free vs $19.99) and rating (4.4 vs 3.5). SimControlX's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 9). On ratings volume, update cadence, ads and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

iCESSNA Checkride Prep is free to download; SimControlX costs $19.99 up front. iCESSNA Checkride Prep sells 9 one-off in-app purchases. SimControlX asks for nothing beyond the download.

iCESSNA Checkride Prep holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4 and 7 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of SimControlX's written reviews are positive against 100% of iCESSNA Checkride Prep's.

SimControlX ships an update every 6 weeks, iCESSNA Checkride Prep every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SimControlX | iCESSNA Checkride Prep |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $19.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [3.5 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simcontrolx/id1380341055/reviews) | **[4.4 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/icessna-checkride-prep/id1500142638/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 4 | **7** |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 4 MB | 59 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ELITE Simulation Solutions AG](https://appshunter.io/developer/1699597702) | [Aircraft Apps LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1499571546) |

## What reviewers say

### SimControlX

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simcontrolx/id1380341055)

Control your flight simulator from your iPad with this instructor station app. Remotely manage aircraft position, weather, and system failures for realistic training and enhanced gameplay. Connects via Wi-Fi to supported simulators.

**Highlights:** iPad instructor station for flight simulators, Remote aircraft repositioning, Customizable weather settings, Simulated system and engine failures, Worldwide moving map with flight path tracing, Quick Wi-Fi connection to simulator, Fuel and battery recharge options

**In-app purchases:** none


### iCESSNA Checkride Prep

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/icessna-checkride-prep/id1500142638)

This aviation training platform helps pilots prepare for exams and enhance general knowledge. It offers study tools for specific aircraft, including flashcards, quizzes, and memory item reviews. Users can also access weather information, flight planning tools, and conversion calculators.

**Highlights:** AI-generated study questions, Aircraft-specific flashcards and quizzes, Memory item and limitations review, Worldwide weather and flight planning, Aircraft conversion calculator, Zulu time clock

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Personal Health For Pilots | $19.99 | one-time |
| 20 FAA Handbooks & Manuals | $19.99 | one-time |
| C162 Skycatcher Checkride Prep | $29.99 | one-time |
| C172SP Checkride Prep | $29.99 | one-time |
| C152 Checkride Prep | $29.99 | one-time |
| C172P Checkride Prep | $29.99 | one-time |
| C208 Caravan Checkride Prep | $29.99 | one-time |
| C172N Checkride Prep | $29.99 | one-time |
| Cessna 182S Checkride Prep | $29.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SimControlX free?

SimControlX costs $19.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is iCESSNA Checkride Prep free?

iCESSNA Checkride Prep is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, SimControlX or iCESSNA Checkride Prep?

iCESSNA Checkride Prep is rated higher. SimControlX averages 3.5 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while iCESSNA Checkride Prep averages 4.4 from 7 ratings.

### Do SimControlX or iCESSNA Checkride Prep have ads?

Neither SimControlX nor iCESSNA Checkride Prep shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SimControlX or iCESSNA Checkride Prep?

SimControlX ships an update every 6 weeks, and iCESSNA Checkride Prep every 3 weeks. Most recently, SimControlX was updated on October 7, 2026 and iCESSNA Checkride Prep on October 1, 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.*