# Ground School vs Private Pilot FAA test prep

The clearest difference is update cadence: Ground School at every 2 weeks against Private Pilot FAA test prep's every 4 months. Ground School also leads on review sentiment (88% vs 58%) and rating (4.9 vs 4.6). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Ground School sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $49.99 per month and Private Pilot FAA test prep sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Ground School holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Ground School has 1.8K ratings behind it against 66, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 88% of Ground School's written reviews are positive against 58% of Private Pilot FAA test prep's.

Ground School ships an update every 2 weeks, Private Pilot FAA test prep every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Ground School | Private Pilot FAA test prep |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (1.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ground-school/id1444387206/reviews)** | [4.6 (66 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/private-pilot-faa-test-prep/id1533530940/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.8K** | 66 |
| Positive reviews | **88.2% of reviews** | 58.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 215 MB | 45 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [On The Flight Line Productions LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/328833131) | [Danila Danilenko](https://appshunter.io/developer/1348112062) |

## What reviewers say

### Ground School

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ground-school/id1444387206)

This app provides comprehensive FAA test preparation for aspiring pilots. It combines expert instruction with engaging videos, CG animations, and practice tests to ensure users pass their written exams and become safer pilots.

**Highlights:** Expert FAA flight instructor knowledge, Engaging video demonstrations, Cutting-edge CG animations, Over 1,000 practice questions, Pilot Perspective filming, Pilot Proficiency dashboard, FAA Knowledge Test endorsement

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| All-Access – Monthly Plan | $49.99 | per month |
| All-Access – Monthly Plan | $49.99 | per month |
| All-Access – Monthly Plan | $49.99 | per month |
| All-Access – 3-Month Plan | $149.99 | per 3 months |
| All-Access – 3-Month Plan (Sale) | $149.99 | per 3 months |
| All-Access – Annual Plan | $299.99 | per year |
| All-Access – Annual Plan | $299.99 | per year |
| All Access – Annual Plan (Sale) | $299.99 | per year |
| All-Access – Annual Plan | $299.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Excellent ground school app
- 👍 Comprehensive and well-presented content
- 🎓 Helpful for passing written exams
- 👍 Great for both new and experienced pilots
- 🎓 Useful for CFIs to stay sharp

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Syncing issues between devices
- 🔍 Lack of desktop version
- 🔍 Limited flashcard and spaced-repetition features
- 🔍 Need for more interactive chart/sectional practice
- 🐛 Some questions have outdated or incorrect answers

**Reported bugs**

- Syncing issues between iPhone and iPad
- Some questions have incorrect or outdated answers

**Requested features**

- Desktop version of the app
- More robust flashcard and spaced-repetition system
- Deeper interactive practice with sectional charts
- Expansion to commercial and ATP levels


### Private Pilot FAA test prep

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/private-pilot-faa-test-prep/id1533530940)

Prepare for your private pilot written exam with a comprehensive question bank and realistic exam simulations. This ad-free application allows you to mark and review your favorite questions, ensuring you cover all necessary topics for the 2026 PPL training exam.

**Highlights:** Comprehensive Q&A, Access to all question blocks, Realistic exam simulation, Mark and review favorites, Ad-free experience

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full access | $16.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Ground School free?

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

### Is Private Pilot FAA test prep free?

Private Pilot FAA test prep is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Ground School or Private Pilot FAA test prep?

Ground School is rated higher. Ground School averages 4.9 out of 5 from 1.8K ratings, while Private Pilot FAA test prep averages 4.6 from 66 ratings.

### Do Ground School or Private Pilot FAA test prep have ads?

Neither Ground School nor Private Pilot FAA test prep shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Ground School or Private Pilot FAA test prep?

Ground School ships an update every 2 weeks, and Private Pilot FAA test prep every 4 months. Most recently, Ground School was updated on November 6, 2026 and Private Pilot FAA test prep on November 3, 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.*