Approach Speed Calculator Pro vs coolAltitude
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Approach Speed Calculator Pro
This tool helps pilots quickly and accurately calculate approach speeds for safe landings, following Boeing's FCTM procedures. It supports all Boeing models and is also recommended for Airbus and other jet aircraft.
- Calculate approach speeds
- Follows Boeing FCTM procedures
- Supports all Boeing models
- Recommended for Airbus and other jets
- Accurate landing speed determination
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Good morning, Captain. Join over 6,000 pilots who use this tool to brief the approach speed for every landing, even in gusty, challenging conditions. Set the runway and the wind with one finger on the compass, set your VREF, and the approach speed is there. No mental math, no typing. BUILT ON THE BOEING METHOD The wind additive follows the Boeing Flight Crew Training Manual (FCTM): half of the steady headwind component plus the full gust increment, never less than VREF + 5 and never more than the limit you choose, VREF + 15 or VREF + 20. With a tailwind only VREF + 5 applies. It applies from the 727 to the 787, and the same method is in use on Airbus and other jets. WHAT YOU SEE • Approach speed, with the additive shown as VREF + n • Headwind or tailwind component and crosswind component, each with its gust • Colors that speak: green inside normal values, yellow for caution, red beyond limits • A warning when the approach speed gets close to your full flaps limit speed • Descent rate for a 3 degree path • Ground speed on final • Reference stall speed MADE FOR THE FLIGHT DECK • A compass you drag: outer ring for the wind, center for the runway. Fine tune degree by degree with the buttons • Dark instrument display, easy to read by day and by night • iPhone and iPad, with landscape on iPad • Knots and feet per minute, or meters per second • Works offline. No account, no ads, no subscription For reference only. This app does not replace your aircraft manuals or your company procedures.
coolAltitude
This app provides pilots with essential tools for cold-temperature altitude corrections, approach profiles, and de-icing calculations. It integrates weather data and offers a clear interface for critical flight planning information.
- Cold-temperature altitude corrections
- Approach profile visualization
- De-icing and holdover time calculations
- FMS-style approach setup
- METAR, TAF, and runway condition integration
- Light and dark mode support
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coolAltitude brings cold-temperature altitude corrections, approach profiles and de-icing tools into one focused workspace for pilots. ALTITUDE CORRECTIONS Enter the temperature and approach data, compare entered and corrected altitudes, and see the result in a clear approach profile. Select the correction method and rounding option for your workflow. DME shift helps put distance references in context. APPROACH SETUP Use the FMS-style interface to work with airport, runway and approach data. A structured display and dedicated keys keep the setup readable alongside the profile. DE-ICING AND HOLDOVER TIME Select the applicable conditions, fluid type and concentration. Review the available holdover guidance and keep the countdown visible during your workflow. WEATHER AND RUNWAY CONTEXT Consult METAR, TAF and runway-condition information alongside your calculations. Online information depends on the availability of the connected services. READABLE IN LIGHT AND DARK Clear colour roles distinguish inputs, corrected values and shifted values. Light and Dark appearances support different lighting conditions, with restrained surfaces and readable controls. Some features require an in-app subscription. Check the in-app purchase screen for the features included, subscription terms and current pricing. Use current operational information and the procedures applicable to your aircraft and operation when assessing results. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Approach Speed Calculator Pro at none against coolAltitude's 2. Approach Speed Calculator Pro also leads on price ($2.99 vs $7.99) and review sentiment (80% vs 60%). coolAltitude's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.5). On update cadence, ads and device support 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
Approach Speed Calculator Pro costs $2.99 and coolAltitude $7.99 up front. coolAltitude sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per year. Approach Speed Calculator Pro asks for nothing beyond the download.
coolAltitude holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 33 and 7 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 80% of Approach Speed Calculator Pro's written reviews are positive against 60% of coolAltitude's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.
Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 7, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Approach Speed Calculator Pro | coolAltitude |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2.99 — better | $7.99 |
| Rating | 4.5 (33 ratings) | 5.0 (7 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 80.0% of reviews — better | 60.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 33 — better | 7 |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | Every 3 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Paid | Free with in-app purchases — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 20 MB | 56 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | Santiago Borja Lopez | SilkIdea s.r.o. |
Customer experience
Approach Speed Calculator Pro
coolAltitude
In-app purchases
Approach Speed Calculator Pro
No in-app purchases
coolAltitude
- De & Anti-Icing Pro$7.991 Year
- Save & Retrieve Approach Data$7.991 Year
Questions
Is Approach Speed Calculator Pro free?
Is coolAltitude free?
Which has better reviews, Approach Speed Calculator Pro or coolAltitude?
Do Approach Speed Calculator Pro or coolAltitude have ads?
Which is updated more often, Approach Speed Calculator Pro or coolAltitude?
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