# Model Aviation vs Flite Test

The clearest difference is rating: Flite Test at 4.0 against Model Aviation's 1.8. Flite Test also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 11) and review sentiment (40% vs 14%). Model Aviation's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and chart position (#167 vs unranked). On price, ratings volume and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Model Aviation sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $59.99 per year. Flite Test asks for nothing beyond the download.

Flite Test holds the better App Store score, 4.0 against 1.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 25 and 20 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 14% of Model Aviation's written reviews are positive against 40% of Flite Test's.

Model Aviation ships an update every 4 months, Flite Test every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Model Aviation | Flite Test |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.8 (25 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/model-aviation/id542759927/reviews) | **[4.0 (20 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/flite-test/id6447209095/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **25** | 20 |
| Positive reviews | 14.3% of reviews | **40.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 5 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Best chart rank | **#167** | — |
| Size | 17 MB | 57 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.2** | 13.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [The Academy of Model Aeronautics](https://appshunter.io/developer/542760010) | [Tritium Studios LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/385805798) |

## What reviewers say

### Model Aviation

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/model-aviation/id542759927)

**Currently charting:** #167 Top Free · Magazines & Newspapers (US App Store)

Access the latest aeromodeling news, features, and tutorials from a leading model aviation organization. This app offers exclusive tablet content like photos and videos, enhancing the digital magazine experience with rich media.

**Highlights:** Latest aeromodeling news, In-depth features and tutorials, Tablet-exclusive photos and videos, Bonus digital content, Reformatted for tablet experience

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

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Annual Offer | $59.99 | per year |
| Model Aviation February 2016 | $3.99 | one-time |
| Model Aviation September 2012 | $5.99 | one-time |
| Model Aviation Oct 2012 | $5.99 | one-time |
| Model Aviation November 2012 | $5.99 | one-time |
| Model Aviation December 2012 | $5.99 | one-time |
| January 2013 | $5.99 | one-time |
| February 2013 | $5.99 | one-time |
| March 2013 | $5.99 | one-time |
| April 2013 | $5.99 | one-time |
| Model Aviation | $5.99 | one-time |


### Flite Test

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/flite-test/id6447209095)

Engage with a community of RC enthusiasts through challenges, exclusive content, and aircraft registration. Connect with the team and share your passion for flying.

**Highlights:** Complete challenges for badges, Watch Flite Test show, Listen to the podcast, Read articles, Register RC aircraft, Share memories

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Model Aviation free?

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

### Is Flite Test free?

Flite Test is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Model Aviation or Flite Test?

Flite Test is rated higher. Model Aviation averages 1.8 out of 5 from 25 ratings, while Flite Test averages 4.0 from 20 ratings.

### Do Model Aviation or Flite Test have ads?

Flite Test shows ads; Model Aviation does not.

### Which is updated more often, Model Aviation or Flite Test?

Model Aviation ships an update every 4 months, and Flite Test every 5 weeks. Most recently, Model Aviation was updated on October 12, 2026 and Flite Test on September 23, 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.*