Comparison

Pilot Tools vs reChain Grib

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

Head to head
About

Pilot Tools

This comprehensive toolbox provides airline pilots with essential modules for flight planning and operations. It includes tools for deicing, cold weather calculations, dangerous goods decoding, wind limitations, and crew rest predictions.

Highlights
  • Deicing module with holdover times
  • Cold weather altitude calculator
  • Dangerous Goods decoder
  • Wind limitations module
  • Crew rest and alertness prediction
  • Refueling module
  • MEL & CDL reference
Features
Read full description

A complete toolbox for airline pilots (if you have already FlightLog app with PRO version, YOU DON'T NEED THIS APP !): • A complete deicing module with holdover times according to last FAA tables • A cold weather calculator for correct altitudes • A Dangerous Goods decoder with maximum quantities allowed by IATA • A wind limitations module (cross wind, maximum allowed wind force...) • A crew rest module with alertness prediction calculator • Refueling module • MEL & CDL • Landing parameters (true speed, GoAround gradient etc) • Unit converter • True altitude calculator • Radio Range • Continuous Descent Operations • ATC minimum separation according aircraft type • decoder for runway state (METAR, SNOWTAM, RCAM) and more to come...

About

reChain Grib

Features
Read full description

reChain Grib is the simplest way to request, decode, and view GRIB weather files when you’re offshore with a Garmin inReach device. Built for skippers who need reliable, lightweight, fully offline weather tools, it keeps you informed even far beyond any network. → Generate GRIB Requests Create precise GRIB requests (wind, pressure, waves…) with a clean, intuitive interface. Copy the request and send it via your inReach to a dedicated email—no internet required. → Decode GRIB Chunks Paste the GRIB message chunks received by your inReach. reChain Grib automatically decodes them into a downloadable GRIB file. → View GRIB Forecasts (Built‑in Viewer) Open the GRIB directly inside the app and explore the forecast timeline with a clean, lightweight viewer designed for offshore use. → Built for Offshore Use • 100% offline • Extremely lightweight → Why reChain Grib? Because offshore weather access should be simple, reliable, and available anywhere. Whether you’re crossing an ocean or sailing along a remote coast, reChain Grib gives you the essential tools to request and view weather whenever you need it. → Notes Requires a Garmin inReach device for sending/receiving messages. reChain Grib is not affiliated with Garmin. Terms of Use: https://www.jcskipper.com/rechain/rechain_terms.html

Screenshots

Pilot Tools4 screens
reChain Grib4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: reChain Grib at Free against Pilot Tools's $8.99. reChain Grib also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 8 months). Pilot Tools's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.6). On ads and device support 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

reChain Grib is free to download; Pilot Tools costs $8.99 up front. reChain Grib sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $8.99 per month. Pilot Tools asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Pilot Tools ships an update every 8 months, reChain Grib every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Pilot Tools versus reChain Grib: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPilot ToolsreChain Grib
Price$8.99Free — better
Rating1.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 8 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaid—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS13.0 — better16.6
Further details — not scored
Size40 MB14 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJean-Philippe Bouchi-LamontagneJean-Charles Levenne

In-app purchases

None

Pilot Tools

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

reChain Grib

Subscriptions1
  • reChain Premium$8.991 Month

Questions

Is Pilot Tools free?
Pilot Tools costs $8.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is reChain Grib free?
reChain Grib is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Pilot Tools or reChain Grib have ads?
Neither Pilot Tools nor reChain Grib shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Pilot Tools or reChain Grib?
Pilot Tools ships an update every 8 months, and reChain Grib every 3 weeks. Most recently, Pilot Tools was updated on October 7, 2026 and reChain Grib on October 3, 2026.

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