Instrument Pilot Test Prep vs DA42 NG
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Instrument Pilot Test Prep
Prepare for your FAA Instrument Pilot written test with a comprehensive study tool. It offers three modes: study questions by topic, review using flashcards, and take simulated practice tests. Detailed explanations and progress reports help you track your learning.
- Study questions by topic
- Customizable review sessions
- Flashcard mode for knowledge testing
- Simulated 60-question practice tests
- Detailed explanations for answers
- Progress reports and test history
- High-resolution FAA figures and legends
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Sporty's Study Buddy will prepare you for the FAA Instrument Pilot written test like no other study tool available with three modes of operation. Test material is expertly organized into categories based on subject matter and includes, questions, answers, correct answers, and detailed explanations. • STUDY QUESTIONS BY TOPIC • Learning Mode allows you to create custom review sessions by selecting exactly which categories you want to review. Each session randomly generates the question order, and provides instant feedback based on your answer selection. Each question also provides a detailed description as to why each answer is right or wrong. These explanations were developed by Sporty’s team of Master CFI’s, based on their experience preparing students for the Instrument Rating. • REVIEW QUESTION FLASHCARDS • Flashcard mode tests your knowledge by allowing you to only see the question without the answer choices. After answering the question mentally, you can then select to show the correct answer, and self-grade your progress along the way. This is a great feature that keeps you from being distracted by incorrect answers! • TAKE PRACTICE TESTS • Test mode randomly generates a 60-question session from the entire database of published FAA test questions, simulating the real Instrument Pilot test. After answering all the questions, you’ll be given instant results, and have the option to review either all the questions, or just missed questions. Included in the review session are the same detailed explanations for why each answer is right or wrong. •PROGRESS REPORTS• After completing each test your results are saved in the app's Progress Report section, where you can review previous scores and and a detailed history of each question and answer selection. You can also pause a partially-completed session, and resume it at a later time here. Also includes the new upgraded test prep supplement (figures and legends) from the FAA, with new high-resolution images.
DA42 NG
This app calculates mass, balance, and performance data for the Diamond DA42NG aircraft using actual Pilot's Operating Handbook data. It helps pilots plan flights quickly by determining optimal cruise altitudes, takeoff and landing distances, and climb rates.
- Mass & Balance calculations
- Takeoff and Landing performance
- Climb performance
- Cruise performance
- Fuel management
- Interactive sliders for 'what if' scenarios
- High-resolution graphics
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Gyronimo Performance Pad -Diamond DA42 New Generation- The ultimate computer for Mass & Balance and Performance. Compatibility: [Diamond DA 42, max GW 1900kg RFM as of 2009, Austro E4B engine, 123.5 kW at 2300 RPM) Note: (The max GW can be set to 1999kg as an option, however, this option is for weight & balance only. Performance data is computed up to 1900kg only) Calculate and interpolate performance data using the actual values from the Diamond DA42NG Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH). Finish your complete fight planning in just a few seconds. Performance planning has never been easier and quicker. Results are updated immediately and displayed in high resolution graphics, enhanced for the iPad 2/3 and iPad Mini. Change all important values using sliders. Experiment with the results and create "what if" scenarios in no time. Find your optimal cruise altitude, takeoff ground roll, landing distance, and climb rate. The Performance Pad Diamond DA42NG has seven main pages: 1. The Mass & Balance (or Weight & Balance) Page Calculates Center of Gravity, Moments, Takeoff and Zero Fuel Mass. Set person and baggage weights in seconds using the convenient sliders. Check if the CG is within limits using three graphical displays - Moment Envelope - CG envelope - Aircraft axis or see a complete load manifest that you can send to your email address to quickly prove that you have completed the Weight & Balance for you flight. - Send a Mass & Balance Summary to your email address. 2. The Takeoff Page Using the actual data from the Operating Handbook the Performance Pad calculates and displays Ground Roll and Landing Distance based on: - Aircraft Mass - Takeoff Elevation in MSL (Pressure Altitude and Density Altitude will be computed) - Outside Air Temperature (OAT) - Altimeter Setting - Runway Conditions (i.e. paved dry to long grass or snow) - Runway Slope - Wind Conditions Wind Components Computer - Use the Wind Components page to determine your headwind or tailwind component. Rotate the wind dial to set wind direction, set windspeed and the results will be transferred to your takeoff computations automatically! 3. The Climb page Calculates time, fuel and distance based on - Difference between Takeoff Elevation and intended Flight Level - Altimeter Setting - Outside Air Temperature (OAT) - Altimeter Setting - Headwind or Tailwind Component Also the Rate of Climb and Climb Speed will be displayed. 4. The Cruise Page Using the actual data from the Pilot's Operating Handbook you can determine the optimal cruise altitude based on - Trip Distance - Flight Level - Engine RPM - Temperature - Wind and Altimeter Setting and calculate Break Horse Power (% BHP), Fuel Flow and True Airspeed The Max Range and Range including Reserve will be displayed graphically. The Fuel Management allows to enter Reserve Time for Contingency, Alternate and Final Reserve. The Fuel Usage is displayed graphically. Fuel Efficiency is computed in Miles per Gallon and Liter per 100km to set set results in a perspective. 5. Landing Page Calculates Ground Roll and Landing Distance based on wind, elevation, altimeter setting etc. Like on the Takeoff Page you can use the Wind Components Computer to quickly determine head- or tailwind components 6. Load / Save. - Load and Save up to five Aircraft Settings and Scenarios. 7. Setup - Visit our video channel and watch tutorials and video manuals. For iPad 2, iPad 3 (iOS7 recommended) DISCLAIMER: The author disclaims any liability for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential losses or damages in connection with your access to or use of this software. The information contained in this software is for general information purposes only.
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Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Instrument Pilot Test Prep at $14.99 against DA42 NG's $19.99. Instrument Pilot Test Prep also leads on chart position (#190 vs unranked) and ratings volume (16 vs 2). DA42 NG's advantage is review sentiment (50% vs 39%). On rating, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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
Instrument Pilot Test Prep costs $14.99 and DA42 NG $19.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 3.1 for Instrument Pilot Test Prep against 3.0 for DA42 NG. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Instrument Pilot Test Prep has 16 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 39% of Instrument Pilot Test Prep's written reviews are positive against 50% of DA42 NG's.
Instrument Pilot Test Prep ships an update every 5 months, DA42 NG every 9 months. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.
| Parameter | Instrument Pilot Test Prep | DA42 NG |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $14.99 — better | $19.99 |
| Rating | 3.1 (16 ratings) — better | 3.0 (2 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 39.3% of reviews | 50.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 16 — better | 2 |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months — better | Every 9 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free — better | Paid |
| Best chart rank | #190 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPad |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 — better | 15.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 28 MB | 37 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Sporty's Pilot Shop | Gyronimo, LLC |
Customer experience
Instrument Pilot Test Prep
DA42 NG
In-app purchases
Instrument Pilot Test Prep
No in-app purchases
DA42 NG
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Instrument Pilot Test Prep free?
Is DA42 NG free?
Which has better reviews, Instrument Pilot Test Prep or DA42 NG?
Do Instrument Pilot Test Prep or DA42 NG have ads?
Which is updated more often, Instrument Pilot Test Prep or DA42 NG?
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