FlightLink vs C172 Performance
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
FlightLink
This app enhances Lightspeed headsets by enabling recording and playback of all in-flight communications. It allows pilots to archive conversations for training and review, and offers personalized audio and operational settings for specific headset models.
- Record intercom and radio communications
- Instant playback of recent communications
- Archive flight communications
- Store recordings on iPhone/iPad
- Take handwritten notes with Apple Pencil
- Customize audio settings (Zulu PFX only)
- View headset battery life
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FlightLink is the free, proprietary app that adds enhanced functionality to all Lightspeed headsets. FlightLink works seamlessly with Lightspeed headsets manufactured since 2012 (Zulu 2 and 3, Sierra, Tango, and PFX) to record and playback incoming and outgoing communications. Older Zulu 2 and Sierra headsets may qualify for a factory•installed retrofit at a nominal fee. For more information on a retrofit contact Lightspeed Customer Care by phone 800.332.2421 or email at service@lightspeedaviation.com. When combined with the Zulu PFX ANR headset, FlightLink's enhanced capabilities include recording via Bluetooth and the ability to set a variety of personal audio and operational preferences. FlightLink Recording Features FlightLink is perfect for any pilot flying with an iPad or iPhone who wants to capture and retrieve in•flight communication. It is also a valuable tool for flight training at all levels because of its ability to capture the intercom communication of instructional flights. • Record all activity over the intercom, including inbound and outbound transmissions, and in•cabin conversation. • Instantly play back ATC calls or other communications from any point within the last two minutes of recording. • Create a permanent archive of all flight communications for post•flight briefing and training. • Store your recording library on your iPhone or iPad, and access them with the iOS Files app or iTunes on a Mac or PC. • Take handwritten notes on iPads and use Apple Pencil or Pencil 2 on supported iPads. FlightLink Personal Preference Features (With Zulu PFX headsets only) In addition to its recording features, FlightLink•s enhanced capabilities allow Zulu PFX headset users to adjust a variety of audio and operational settings, creating a personalized flying experience. For example: • Customize audio settings for different aircraft or users • Fine tune audio response for maximum voice clarity and music fidelity • Use the Voice Clarity• option to boost frequencies common in human speech without impacting the quality of music from auxiliary devices • View remaining battery life with the battery level indicator • Enable / disable audible low battery alert • Choose Auto Shutoff• delay intervals • Save custom settings in up to three personal profiles The ability to set and save other audio and operational preferences through FlightLink is only available on the Zulu PFX headset.
C172 Performance
This app calculates essential flight performance data for Cessna 172 and 150 aircraft. It covers takeoff, landing, climb, cruise, descent, instrument procedures, and emergencies, with additional tools for holds and glide calculations. Cloud sync ensures your flight plans are accessible across devices.
- Takeoff and landing calculations
- Climb, cruise, and descent performance
- Instrument procedure planning
- Emergency scenario calculations
- Interactive hold calculator
- Emergency glide distance calculator
- Cloud sync for flight plans
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C172 Performance computes all the useful performance numbers for flight planning for Cessna model 172 and 150 aircraft. It includes calculations for takeoff, landing, climb, cruise, descent, instrument procedures as well as emergencies. It also includes an interactive hold calculator, a risk analysis tool, and an emergency glide distance calculator that handles head and tailwinds. C172 Performance is also available on other mobile devices and as a WebApp (an App that runs in a browser) that runs on a variety of platforms (PC, Mac, tablets, phones). The cloud sync feature allows flight planning profiles entered on any device to be synchronized with your other devices when connected to the Internet. C172 Performance is a free, open-source development effort and has Apps and WebApps for other aircraft. See http://pohperformance.com for complete details.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: C172 Performance at 90% against FlightLink's 23%. C172 Performance also leads on rating (4.9 vs 3.8) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 9 months). On price, ratings volume, 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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
C172 Performance holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 3.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 40 and 52 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 23% of FlightLink's written reviews are positive against 90% of C172 Performance's.
FlightLink ships an update every 9 months, C172 Performance every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | FlightLink | C172 Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.8 (40 ratings) | 4.9 (52 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 22.9% of reviews | 90.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 40 | 52 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 9 months | Every 2 months — better |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Ad-supported — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 — better | 13.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 27 MB | 15 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Lightspeed Aviation | POH Performance L.L.C. |
Customer experience
FlightLink
C172 Performance
In-app purchases
FlightLink
No in-app purchases
C172 Performance
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is FlightLink free?
Is C172 Performance free?
Which has better reviews, FlightLink or C172 Performance?
Do FlightLink or C172 Performance have ads?
Which is updated more often, FlightLink or C172 Performance?
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