# Private and Recreational Pilot vs Boldmethod

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Boldmethod at 97% against Private and Recreational Pilot's 47%. Boldmethod also leads on price (Free vs $39.99) and rating (4.9 vs 4.3). Private and Recreational Pilot's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 9) and ads (none vs shown).

Boldmethod is free to download; Private and Recreational Pilot costs $39.99 up front. Boldmethod sells 9 one-off in-app purchases. Private and Recreational Pilot asks for nothing beyond the download.

Boldmethod holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Boldmethod has 823 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 47% of Private and Recreational Pilot's written reviews are positive against 97% of Boldmethod's.

Private and Recreational Pilot ships an update every 3 months, Boldmethod every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Private and Recreational Pilot | Boldmethod |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $39.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [4.3 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/private-and-recreational-pilot/id454433690/reviews) | **[4.9 (823 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/boldmethod/id1507847293/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **823** |
| Positive reviews | 47.4% of reviews | **97.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 238 MB | 26 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple TV** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Dauntless Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/366840893) | [BoldMethod, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/986988759) |

## What reviewers say

### Private and Recreational Pilot

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/private-and-recreational-pilot/id454433690)

Prepare for your FAA Private Pilot checkride with realistic oral exam questions and detailed explanations. Covers all essential knowledge areas, including aerodynamics, weather, regulations, and navigation. Features aircraft-specific questions and free lifetime updates.

**Highlights:** Realistic checkride questions, Unlimited study and practice, Free lifetime updates, Hundreds of charts and figures, Aircraft-specific information, Current and valid content

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Boldmethod

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/boldmethod/id1507847293)

Enhance your aviation knowledge with extensive video training and online courses. Practice with quizzes and master essential piloting skills like takeoffs, landings, airspace navigation, and weather interpretation. Prepare for checkrides and improve your flying proficiency.

**Highlights:** Extensive video training library, Online aviation courses, Pilot knowledge quizzes, Master takeoffs and landings, National Airspace System training, Aviation weather interpretation, VFR charts and publications

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Aviation Weather Products | $19.99 | one-time |
| National Airspace System | $19.99 | one-time |
| VFR Charts | $19.99 | one-time |
| National Airspace System | $24.99 | one-time |
| Aviation Weather Products | $24.99 | one-time |
| VFR Charts and Publications | $24.99 | one-time |
| Mastering Takeoffs & Landings | $139.99 | one-time |
| Mountain Weather | $299.99 | one-time |
| Instrument Procedures | $499.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great training with visual aids
- 👍 Thorough and logically presented
- 👍 Easy to understand and engaging instruction
- 👍 Comprehensive and full of practical advice
- 👍 Exceptional quality and polished presentation

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔍 Lack of explanation for wrong answers in quizzes
- 🐛 Occasional crashing or freezing issues

**Reported bugs**

- Crashing or freezing issues
- Compatibility problems with older devices

**Requested features**

- Provide explanations for incorrect answers in quizzes
- Improve navigation and progress tracking through courses


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Private and Recreational Pilot free?

Private and Recreational Pilot costs $39.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Boldmethod free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Private and Recreational Pilot or Boldmethod?

Boldmethod is rated higher. Private and Recreational Pilot averages 4.3 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while Boldmethod averages 4.9 from 823 ratings.

### Do Private and Recreational Pilot or Boldmethod have ads?

Boldmethod shows ads; Private and Recreational Pilot does not.

### Which is updated more often, Private and Recreational Pilot or Boldmethod?

Private and Recreational Pilot ships an update every 3 months, and Boldmethod every 3 weeks. Most recently, Private and Recreational Pilot was updated on October 9, 2026 and Boldmethod 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.*