Comparison

Private Pilot Course vs C172N Performance Pad

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Private Pilot Course

This app provides comprehensive HD video instruction and detailed animations for essential flight maneuvers. It covers takeoffs, landings, and complex maneuvers with explanations of FAA standards and common errors. Ideal for student pilots preparing for lessons or private pilots refreshing their skills.

Highlights
  • In-flight HD video instruction
  • Detailed animation of maneuvers
  • FAA Private Pilot Practical Test preparation
  • Explanation of PTS standards
  • Common errors and avoidance
  • Includes FAA handbooks and quiz
Features
Read full description

The Private Pilot Course (Flight) App gives you two and a half hours of in-flight HD video and detailed animation including an in depth explanation of the takeoffs, landings and maneuvers needed to pass your FAA Private Pilot Practical Test. All Takeoffs, Landings and Maneuvers are flown in a Cessna 172 in San Diego. We filmed each maneuver with multiple cameras and camera angles and provide real HD quality for the best learning experience. All video and animations are designed to help you understand how to perform everything correctly. We use no fillers that waste your time. Just what you need to know and how to do it right. It's the perfect way for student pilots to prepare for every flight lesson or private pilots for your flight review. AOPA PILOT magazine called our Apps "solid and reliable" in it's Dec 2011 issue. The Private Pilot Course - Flight App contains: •Normal and Crosswind Take Off •Short Field and Soft Field Take Off •Normal and Crosswind Landings •Short Field and Soft Field Landings •Rectangular Course •Turns Around a Point •S-Turns •Slow Flight •Power On Stall •Power Off Stall •Emergency Descents •Emergency Approach and Landing •Steeps Turns •Go Arounds •Explanation of PTS standards for each maneuver •Common errors (and how to avoid them) for each maneuver Due to HD video, this App is 1.2GB. Please make sure you have enough space on your device. Includes FAA Private Pilot PTS and Airplane Flying Handbook as well as a challenging quiz to test what you've learned Visit www.flighttrainingapps.com for a free preview and information on our 100% money back satisfaction guarantee.

About

C172N Performance Pad

This app calculates crucial flight performance data for the Cessna 172N aircraft. It assists pilots with mass and balance, takeoff and landing distances, climb performance, and optimal cruise settings using data from the Pilot's Operating Handbook.

Highlights
  • Mass & Balance calculations
  • Takeoff and Landing distance computation
  • Climb performance analysis
  • Optimal cruise altitude determination
  • Wind component calculation
  • Weight & Balance load manifest export
Features
Read full description

Gyronimo Performance Pad -Cessna 172N- The ultimate computer for Mass & Balance and Performance. - New Version with options for Long Range Tanks and Increased Gross Weight from 2300lbs to 2550lbs. Note: Performance values are computed for 172N standard version with 160hp. Compatibility: requires iPad 2 or newer, or iPad Mini Calculate and interpolate performance data using the actual values from the Cessna 172N 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, climb data and stall speeds. The Performance Pad C172N has seven main pages: 1. The Mass & Balance (or Weight & Balance) Page Calculates Center of Gravity, Moments, Takeoff and Zero Fuel Mass as well as Percent MAC (% MAC). 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. 2. The Takeoff Page Using the actual data from the C172N 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. 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. Stall Speed Page. Calculates The Stall Speed based on Bank Angle and Flap Settings. Stall Speed will be computed as KIAS and KCAS using the actual values from the Cessna POH. 7. Setup - Load and Save up to five Aircraft Settings and Scenarios. - Send a Mass & Balance Summary to your email address. - Visit our video channel and watch tutorials and video manuals. Mode Switch: The Performance Pad can be used in two Modes: "Individual Mode" All calculations can be done independently from each other. "Plan Mode" Calculated values will be forwarded to the next page and an additional "Flight Summary Page" is available. Choose this mode if you want to do a complete performance planning. 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.

Screenshots

Private Pilot Course4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: C172N Performance Pad at $13.99 against Private Pilot Course's $59.99. Private Pilot Course's advantage is update cadence (every 5 months vs every 14 months) and device support (3 vs 1). On rating, review sentiment, ratings volume and ads 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Private Pilot Course costs $59.99 and C172N Performance Pad $13.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

C172N Performance Pad holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4 and 3 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 92% of Private Pilot Course's written reviews are positive against 100% of C172N Performance Pad's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Private Pilot Course ships an update every 5 months, C172N Performance Pad every 14 months. Both last shipped on November 1, 2026.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Private Pilot Course versus C172N Performance Pad: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPrivate Pilot CourseC172N Performance Pad
Price$59.99$13.99 — better
Rating4.5 (4 ratings)4.7 (3 ratings) — better
Positive reviews92.3% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings4 — better3
Update frequencyEvery 5 months — betterEvery 14 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPad
Requires iOS12.0 — better18.6
Further details — not scored
Size2.1 GB26 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperFlight Training Apps, Inc.Gyronimo, LLC

Customer experience

Private Pilot Course

All ratings4 ratings
Positive75.0%
Neutral25.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews13 reviews
Positive92.3%
Neutral7.7%
Negative0.0%

C172N Performance Pad

All ratings3 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews6 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

Private Pilot Course

No in-app purchases

None

C172N Performance Pad

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Private Pilot Course free?
Private Pilot Course costs $59.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is C172N Performance Pad free?
C172N Performance Pad costs $13.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Private Pilot Course or C172N Performance Pad?
C172N Performance Pad is rated higher. Private Pilot Course averages 4.5 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while C172N Performance Pad averages 4.7 from 3 ratings.
Do Private Pilot Course or C172N Performance Pad have ads?
Neither Private Pilot Course nor C172N Performance Pad shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Private Pilot Course or C172N Performance Pad?
Private Pilot Course ships an update every 5 months, and C172N Performance Pad every 14 months. Most recently, Private Pilot Course was updated on November 1, 2026 and C172N Performance Pad on November 1, 2026.

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