# Private Pilot Checkride vs Instrument Test Prep

The clearest difference is price: Instrument Test Prep at Free against Private Pilot Checkride's $9.99. Instrument Test Prep also leads on rating (4.9 vs 3.3) and review sentiment (88% vs 52%). Private Pilot Checkride's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and iOS requirement (14.0 vs 17.1). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Instrument Test Prep is free to download; Private Pilot Checkride costs $9.99 up front. Instrument Test Prep sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Private Pilot Checkride asks for nothing beyond the download.

Instrument Test Prep holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 3.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Instrument Test Prep has 155 ratings behind it against 20, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 52% of Private Pilot Checkride's written reviews are positive against 88% of Instrument Test Prep's.

Private Pilot Checkride ships an update every 19 months, Instrument Test Prep fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Private Pilot Checkride | Instrument Test Prep |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $9.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [3.3 (20 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/private-pilot-checkride/id385104649/reviews) | **[4.9 (155 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/instrument-test-prep/id1456043080/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 20 | **155** |
| Positive reviews | 52.2% of reviews | **87.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 19 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 9 MB | 122 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 17.1 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [ASA](https://appshunter.io/developer/334278379) | [Aeroapps Technology](https://appshunter.io/developer/923860276) |

## What reviewers say

### Private Pilot Checkride

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/private-pilot-checkride/id385104649)

Prepare for your private pilot practical exam with over 900 questions and answers based on FAA standards. This app helps identify knowledge gaps and build confidence for your checkride, covering all essential aviation topics.

**Highlights:** Over 900 exam-style questions and answers, Aligned with FAA Airman Certification Standards (ACS), Answers with FAA references and ACS codes, Flag questions for custom study sets, Includes Applicant Practical Test Checklist, Covers all essential private pilot topics

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Instrument Test Prep

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/instrument-test-prep/id1456043080)

Prepare for your FAA Instrument Rating Knowledge Test with a comprehensive question bank and detailed explanations. Customize study sessions, take simulated exams, and track your progress. An optional upgrade unlocks full ground school lessons and advanced features.

**Highlights:** Over 900 FAA questions with explanations, Customizable study sessions, Simulated FAA exams, Review missed questions, Track progress across devices, Study resources library

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Instrument Ground School Trial | Free | one-time |
| Instrument Rating Test Prep | $49.99 | one-time |
| Upgrade to Ground School | $129.99 | one-time |
| Instrument Ground School | $179.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Private Pilot Checkride free?

Private Pilot Checkride costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Instrument Test Prep free?

Instrument Test Prep is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Private Pilot Checkride or Instrument Test Prep?

Instrument Test Prep is rated higher. Private Pilot Checkride averages 3.3 out of 5 from 20 ratings, while Instrument Test Prep averages 4.9 from 155 ratings.

### Do Private Pilot Checkride or Instrument Test Prep have ads?

Neither Private Pilot Checkride nor Instrument Test Prep shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Private Pilot Checkride or Instrument Test Prep?

Private Pilot Checkride ships an update every 19 months, and Instrument Test Prep fortnightly. Most recently, Private Pilot Checkride was updated on October 20, 2026 and Instrument Test Prep on October 13, 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.*