# C172S Pad vs Boldmethod

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).

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.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | C172S Pad | Boldmethod |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $19.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [4.4 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/c172s-pad/id574791356/reviews) | **[4.9 (823 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/boldmethod/id1507847293/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 5 | **823** |
| Positive reviews | 75.0% of reviews | **97.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 30 MB | 26 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.1** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple TV** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Gyronimo, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/536898885) | [BoldMethod, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/986988759) |

## What reviewers say

### C172S Pad

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/c172s-pad/id574791356)

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

**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 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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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*