C172N Performance Pad vs Ground School
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- Mass & Balance calculations
- Takeoff and Landing distance computation
- Climb performance analysis
- Optimal cruise altitude determination
- Wind component calculation
- Weight & Balance load manifest export
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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.
Ground School
Prepare for your FAA written test and become a safer pilot with this comprehensive training app. It combines expert instruction, engaging videos, and interactive practice tests to ensure you gain the knowledge needed to fly your best.
- Expert FAA flight instructor knowledge
- Engaging educational videos
- Pilot perspective flight footage
- Over 1,000 practice test questions
- CG animations for concept illustration
- Pilot Proficiency dashboard
- FAA Knowledge Test endorsement
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Featuring expert knowledge from an award-winning FAA flight instructor, Ground School will teach budding pilots everything they need to know for their FAA written test and beyond. By combining years of teaching know-how with cutting edge CG animation, informative video demonstrations, and more, Ground School is more than an app that teaches you how to fly — its gives you the knowledge you need to Fly Your Best, whether you're a complete novice or more experienced pilot. By following this FAA pilot knowledge course, you'll learn much more than is needed to pass an FAA written test. In fact, we guarantee you will pass that test and go on to be a better, safer pilot, too. Ground School users can look forward to: ・ Engaging videos that show you the things you need to know, perfect for visual learners. ・ Get the Pilot Perspective — Every video is filmed as if you are the one flying so there are no surprises when you're in the cockpit. ・ More than 1,000 questions that form unlimited practice tests so you know exactly what to expect when taking your FAA exam. ・ Cutting edge CG animations that help illustrate concepts that will help you understand the material in front of you. ・ The Pilot Proficiency dashboard that distills all of your interactions with Ground School into a single screen showing areas where you are strong as well as others that need work. ・ Get your endorsement to take the FAA Knowledge Test directly within Ground School. ・ And much more! Ground School is in active development and is always improving to give you the very best shot at not only passing exams, but being safe in the skies, too. Terms of Service: https://www.learnthefinerpoints.com/ground-school/tos Privacy Policy: https://www.learnthefinerpoints.com/ground-school/privacy
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Ground School at Free against C172N Performance Pad's $13.99. Ground School also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 14 months) and ratings volume (1.8K vs 3). C172N Performance Pad's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 12) and review sentiment (100% vs 88%). On 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
Ground School is free to download; C172N Performance Pad costs $13.99 up front. Ground School sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $49.99 per month. C172N Performance Pad asks for nothing beyond the download.
Ground School holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Ground School has 1.8K ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 100% of C172N Performance Pad's written reviews are positive against 88% of Ground School's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.
C172N Performance Pad ships an update every 14 months, Ground School every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and October 21, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | C172N Performance Pad | Ground School |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $13.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 4.7 (3 ratings) | 4.9 (1.8K ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better | 88.2% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 3 | 1.8K — better |
| Update frequency | Every 14 months | Every 2 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Paid | Free with in-app purchases — better |
| Devices | iPad | iPhone, iPad, Mac — better |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | 16.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 26 MB | 215 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Gyronimo, LLC | On The Flight Line Productions LLC |
Customer experience
C172N Performance Pad
Ground School
Bugs and requests
C172N Performance Pad
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
Ground School
Reported bugs
2 issues- Syncing issues between iPhone and iPad
- Some questions have incorrect or outdated answers
Requested features
4 requests- Desktop version of the app
- More robust flashcard and spaced-repetition system
- Deeper interactive practice with sectional charts
- Expansion to commercial and ATP levels
In-app purchases
C172N Performance Pad
No in-app purchases
Ground School
- All-Access – Monthly Plan2 variants$49.991 Month
- All-Access – Monthly Plan3 Days trial$49.991 Month
- All-Access – Monthly Plan14 Days trial$49.991 Month
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- All-Access – 3-Month Plan$149.993 Months
- All-Access – 3-Month Plan3 Days trial$149.993 Months
- All-Access – 3-Month Plan (Sale)3 Days trial$149.993 Months
- All-Access – Annual Plan$299.991 Year
- All-Access – Annual Plan3 Days trial$299.991 Year
- All Access – Annual Plan (Sale)3 Days trial$299.991 Year
- All-Access – Annual Plan14 Days trial$299.991 Year
- Lifetime Access$299.99
Questions
Is C172N Performance Pad free?
Is Ground School free?
Which has better reviews, C172N Performance Pad or Ground School?
Do C172N Performance Pad or Ground School have ads?
Which is updated more often, C172N Performance Pad or Ground School?
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