Comparison

Ranger Trainer vs IFR Flight Simulator

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

Head to head
About

Ranger Trainer

This app offers an instrument navigation trainer for the TH-57C Sea Ranger helicopter. It provides free features for radial interception and beacon tracking, with a full version offering advanced wind modeling, directional gyro failure practice, and multiple display options.

Highlights
  • Instrument navigation training
  • Radial interception
  • NDB tracking
  • Rate turns
  • Wind modeling
  • Partial-panel practice
Features
Read full description

Get your head in the clouds with this instrument trainer for the TH-57C Sea Ranger. Why sit behind a computer screen or fight for simulator time when you can have the next best thing with this app! Free features include navigation aid radial interception and non-directional beacon tracking information, and standard and half-standard rate turns at a set airspeed. Full version features include a variety of airspeeds, accurate wind modeling of up to 140 knots with ground track references, selectable navigation needles and sources, selectable NAVAID with/without DME, ability to fail directional gyro for partial-panel practice, and multiple display and orientation options. *** This application is not endorsed by the Department of Defense ***

About

IFR Flight Simulator

This aviation simulator helps pilots master IFR procedures and prepare for instrument ratings. Practice holdings, intercepts, and approaches with realistic flight simulation and navigation tools on your phone. Ideal for student and experienced pilots seeking convenient, effective training.

Highlights
  • Realistic aviation training
  • Worldwide flight navigation database
  • Comprehensive training modes
  • Real-time flight simulator
  • Integrated autopilot
  • Optimal holding entry path overlay
Features
Read full description

Practice holdings, radial intercepts, and DME arcs on your phone before your next simulator session. Calculate the procedure, fly it with live instruments, and review your track in the debrief. IFR Flight Simulator combines focused IFR procedure training with real-time flight simulation, worldwide navigation data, and a choice of glass cockpit or classic gauges. What you can practice: • Holding Trainer: Randomized holding situations. Determine the entry, calculate the wind correction angles, then fly the pattern. • Intercept Trainer: Inbound and outbound radial intercepts as well as QDM/QDR intercepts. • DME Arc Trainer: Fly DME arcs and calculate the angle of lead to turn onto the inbound course at the right moment. • Approaches: Set up a final intercept, a position in the pattern (downwind, base, or final), or a full approach at any airport, including ILS. • IFR mental math: Practice entries, wind correction angles, and lead points until the calculations become automatic. Worldwide navigation database: • Navigation data from a recent AIRAC cycle, with worldwide coverage: 13,000+ airports and 10,000+ VORs, NDBs, and other navaids. • Train with real airports and navaids instead of generic exercise locations. Real-time flight simulator: • Modern glass cockpit (PFD and ND) or classic gauges. • Autopilot with rotary controls for heading, altitude, and speed, or fly manually by tilting your device. • Fast-forward mode to repeat procedures efficiently. • Live Map: your position and flight path in real time. • Live Needle Overlay: watch where the HSI and CDI needles actually point as they move with the aircraft symbol across the map. • Optimal Holding Entry Path Overlay: compare your flown track with the wind-corrected entry and holding pattern. • Flight Log with Debrief: every flight is recorded. Replay the track and the needle movement, or resume the flight later. Built for instrument rating training, proficiency practice, and simulator assessments. "I am currently training for my Instrument Rating, and my FI recommended this app to me. I didn't think such a high quality, useful training tool was possible as an app. Incredible for VOR bearings, practicing holds and command headings." App Store review by Sa4mmy Questions or feedback? Reach us at support@ifrsimulator.com. Disclaimer: This application is for training and educational purposes only. It must not be used for real-world flight planning or in-flight decision-making. While the developer strives to provide information and calculations that are as accurate and up-to-date as reasonably possible, they may still be incomplete or inaccurate, and other accepted methods exist for deriving procedures and correction angles. Always verify data against official aeronautical publications and follow the guidance of a certified flight instructor. The developer accepts no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions, or outcomes arising from use of this software. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Ranger Trainer4 screens
IFR Flight Simulator4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: IFR Flight Simulator at 65% against Ranger Trainer's 0%. IFR Flight Simulator also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs monthly) and ratings volume (106 vs 19). Ranger Trainer's advantage is rating (4.6 vs 4.3) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.6). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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

Both are free to download. Ranger Trainer sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and IFR Flight Simulator sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Ranger Trainer holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: IFR Flight Simulator has 106 ratings behind it against 19, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 0% of Ranger Trainer's written reviews are positive against 65% of IFR Flight Simulator's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Ranger Trainer ships an update monthly, IFR Flight Simulator every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Ranger Trainer versus IFR Flight Simulator: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRanger TrainerIFR Flight Simulator
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (19 ratings) — better4.3 (106 ratings)
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews64.7% of reviews — better
Number of ratings19106 — better
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 5 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS11.0 — better15.6
Further details — not scored
Size20 MB117 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMatthew KrivohlavyTobias Maihoff

Customer experience

Ranger Trainer

All ratings19 ratings
Positive89.5%
Neutral5.3%
Negative5.3%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

IFR Flight Simulator

All ratings103 ratings
Positive80.6%
Neutral4.9%
Negative14.6%
Written reviews34 reviews
Positive64.7%
Neutral17.6%
Negative17.6%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Ranger Trainer

One-time1
  • Full Version$1.99
8 purchases

IFR Flight Simulator

Subscriptions5
  • Full Access2 variants$9.991 Month
  • Full Access7 Days trial$19.993 Months
  • Full Access$19.993 Months
Show 2 more
  • Full Access7 Days trial$59.991 Year
  • Full Access7 Days trial$79.991 Year
One-time3
  • SALE % Pro | One-Time Purchase$49.99
  • SALE % Pro | One-Time Purchase$84.99
  • Pro Access | One-Time Purchase$169.99

Questions

Is Ranger Trainer free?
Ranger Trainer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is IFR Flight Simulator free?
IFR Flight Simulator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Ranger Trainer or IFR Flight Simulator?
Ranger Trainer is rated higher. Ranger Trainer averages 4.6 out of 5 from 19 ratings, while IFR Flight Simulator averages 4.3 from 106 ratings.
Do Ranger Trainer or IFR Flight Simulator have ads?
Neither Ranger Trainer nor IFR Flight Simulator shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Ranger Trainer or IFR Flight Simulator?
Ranger Trainer ships an update monthly, and IFR Flight Simulator every 5 days. Most recently, Ranger Trainer was updated on October 24, 2026 and IFR Flight Simulator on October 25, 2026.

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