Comparison

C172S Pad vs Boldmethod

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

Head to head
About

C172S Pad

This flight computer app calculates mass and balance, and performance data for the Cessna 172 S aircraft. It allows users to experiment with various flight parameters and generate detailed reports for flight planning. Optimized for iPad Retina displays, it offers immediate results with high-resolution graphics.

Highlights
  • Mass & Balance calculations
  • Takeoff and Landing distance computation
  • Climb performance analysis
  • Optimal cruise altitude determination
  • Stall speed calculation
  • Wind components computer
  • Load manifest generation
Read full description

Gyronimo Performance Pad -Cessna 172 S- The ultimate flight computer for Mass & Balance and Performance. Calculate and interpolate performance data using the actual values from the Cessna 172 S Pilot's Operating Handbook. (Note - this app does not provide updated POH data. For flight planning, always use the original POH of the airplane you will be flying) Performance Results are updated immediately and displayed in high-resolution graphics, enhanced for the iPad Retina displays. 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 C172S 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 your flight. 2. The Takeoff Page Using the actual data from the C172S 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 grass or extra factors up to 100%) - 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 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 input Reserve Time for Contingency, Alternate and Final Reserve. The Fuel Usage is displayed graphically. 5. Landing Page Calculates Ground Roll and Landing Distance based on wind, elevation, altimeter setting etc. 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. Disclaimer: The Gyronimo Performance Pad is a student, professional pilot, ​and flight instructor assistance tool for plausibility checks and flight training only. All graphics and data provided in this application are used as examples. For flight planning the ORIGINAL Pilot’s Operating Handbook must be used! Performance values can vary significantly with aircraft or environmental conditions and also with your pilot skills. Always consider safety margins for you and the aircraft you are flying.

About

Boldmethod

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
Read full description

Want to improve your piloting skills? Then the Boldmethod app is for you. With over 50 hours of videos and online training courses, you'll walk away with the knowledge that makes you a better pilot. Access your Boldmethod training courses in one app, watch the latest training videos, and test your knowledge with quizzes. What's new? The Feed and Challenges tabs are the place to start learning or to brush up on your aviation knowledge. When you're ready to take the next step, sign up for courses to truly master your pilot knowledge. MASTERING TAKEOFFS AND LANDINGS Do you have a perfect landing every time? Neither do we. This video course helps you master your takeoffs and landings. Whether you're trying to stop floating past your landing point or trying to smooth out your touchdown, you'll learn how to fix any of your takeoff and landing problems with this simple-to-use online course. The course breaks down takeoffs and landings into sections: Normal Takeoffs Traffic Patterns Normal Landings Crosswind Takeoffs and Landings Short Field Takeoffs and Landings Soft Field Takeoffs and Landings Non-Standard Takeoffs and Landings Night Takeoffs and Landings NATIONAL AIRSPACE SYSTEM Our airspace course covers everything you need to know about the National Airspace System, including Class A-G airspace, Special Use Airspace, and Other Airspace. It's an excellent way to prepare for your private pilot checkride and keep your flying skills sharp. The course breaks down airspace into sections: Class A airspace Class B airspace Class C airspace Class D airspace Class E airspace Class G airspace Special use airspace Other airspace AVIATION WEATHER REPORTS AND FORECASTS Our weather course covers everything you need to know about aviation weather, including METARs, TAFs, Pilot Reports, Graphical Forecasts For Aviation, Winds Aloft Forecasts, AIRMETs, SIGMETs, and Convective SIGMETs. It's an excellent way to prepare for your private pilot checkride and keep your flying skills sharp. The course breaks down aviation weather into sections: METARs TAFs PIREPs Graphical Forecasts For Aviation Winds Aloft Forecasts AIRMETs, SIGMETs, and Convective SIGMETs VFR CHARTS AND PUBLICATIONS Our charts course covers everything you need to know about VFR charts and publications, including sectional charts, terminal area charts, the Digital Chart Supplement, and NOTAMs. The course breaks down publications into sections: Sectional Charts Terminal Area Charts Digital Chart Supplement NOTAMs MOUNTAIN WEATHER Do you want to feel more comfortable flying around the high country? Boldmethod's Mountain Weather course helps make that happen. You'll learn how to evaluate mountain weather during your planning and while you're in flight. You'll also learn how terrain generates updrafts, downdrafts, turbulence, and storms, and changes the direction of the wind throughout the day. The course breaks down weather into sections: Mountain Waves Strong Surface Winds Updrafts, Downdrafts, And Turbulence Convergence Zones Coastal Mountain Wind Systems The North American Monsoon Daily (Diurnal) Winds In Valleys Mountain Thunderstorms

Screenshots

Boldmethod4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Boldmethod at Free against C172S Pad's $19.99. Boldmethod also leads on rating (4.9 vs 4.4) and ratings volume (823 vs 5). C172S Pad's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 9) and ads (none vs shown).

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

Boldmethod is free to download; C172S Pad costs $19.99 up front. Boldmethod sells 9 one-off in-app purchases. C172S Pad asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Boldmethod holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Boldmethod has 823 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 75% of C172S Pad's written reviews are positive against 97% of Boldmethod's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

C172S Pad ships an update every 2 months, Boldmethod every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 12, 2026 and September 17, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard10 real differences · 0 level
C172S Pad versus Boldmethod: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterC172S PadBoldmethod
Price$19.99Free — better
Rating4.4 (5 ratings)4.9 (823 ratings) — better
Positive reviews75.0% of reviews97.3% of reviews — better
Number of ratings5823 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidFree with in-app purchases — better
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple TV — better
Requires iOS9.1 — better15.6
Further details — not scored
Size30 MB26 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGyronimo, LLCBoldMethod, LLC

Customer experience

C172S Pad

All ratings5 ratings
Positive80.0%
Neutral20.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews12 reviews
Positive75.0%
Neutral16.7%
Negative8.3%

Boldmethod

All ratings823 ratings
Positive98.4%
Neutral0.7%
Negative0.9%
Written reviews73 reviews
Positive97.3%
Neutral2.7%
Negative0.0%

Bugs and requests

C172S Pad

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

Boldmethod

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Crashing or freezing issues
  • Compatibility problems with older devices

Requested features

2 requests
  • Provide explanations for incorrect answers in quizzes
  • Improve navigation and progress tracking through courses

In-app purchases

None

C172S Pad

No in-app purchases

9 purchases

Boldmethod

One-time9
  • Aviation Weather Products$19.99
  • National Airspace System$19.99
  • VFR Charts$19.99
Show 6 more
  • National Airspace System$24.99
  • Aviation Weather Products$24.99
  • VFR Charts and Publications$24.99
  • Mastering Takeoffs & Landings$139.99
  • Mountain Weather$299.99
  • Instrument Procedures$499.99

Questions

Is C172S Pad free?
C172S Pad costs $19.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Boldmethod free?
Boldmethod is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, C172S Pad or Boldmethod?
Boldmethod is rated higher. C172S Pad averages 4.4 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while Boldmethod averages 4.9 from 823 ratings.
Do C172S Pad or Boldmethod have ads?
Boldmethod shows ads; C172S Pad does not.
Which is updated more often, C172S Pad or Boldmethod?
C172S Pad ships an update every 2 months, and Boldmethod every 3 weeks. Most recently, C172S Pad was updated on September 12, 2026 and Boldmethod on September 17, 2026.

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