C172N Performance Pad vs Garmin GPS Trainer
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.
Garmin GPS Trainer
This app simulates the user interface of a GPS navigator, allowing users to explore its features and operational aspects. It's ideal for improving avionics familiarity and preparing for flights by practicing flight plans.
- Simulated multi-touch and drag interface
- Garmin SafeTaxi with airport information
- High resolution terrain and aviation databases
- Obstacle databases with power line alerting
- Simulated ADS-B Traffic and FIS-B Weather
- Chair fly flight plans
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The Garmin GPS Trainer simulates the system user interface and provides the opportunity to explore the features, options, and fundamental operational aspects of the avionics. When used in combination with the GPS Navigator Series Pilot’s Guide, the trainer can be an effective way to improve avionics familiarity and proficiency at a time and location convenient to the user. The Trainer is also a great way to prepare for a flight because a user can load the anticipated flight plan and “chair fly” the avionics portion of the flight before entering the aircraft. The GPS Trainer includes: • Simulated multi-touch and drag interface – allows you to interact with the system, graphically edit flight plans, and much more • Garmin SafeTaxi – allows you to view detailed airport information on the moving map • High resolution worldwide terrain maps and aviation databases • High resolution obstacle databases including power line alerting • Simulated interfaces and data including: -- ADS-B Traffic with TargetTrend™ Relative Motion -- FIS-B Weather with animated NEXRAD -- Airspaces, airways, and Visual Reporting Points * Note: This app contains simulated data and does not receive data from or interact with real Garmin avionics. This app should not be used for actual navigation purposes.
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: C172N Performance Pad at 100% against Garmin GPS Trainer's 33%. C172N Performance Pad also leads on rating (4.7 vs 2.1). Garmin GPS Trainer's advantage is price (Free vs $13.99) and update cadence (every 3 months vs every 14 months). On ads, in-app purchases 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
Garmin GPS Trainer is free to download; C172N Performance Pad costs $13.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
C172N Performance Pad holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 2.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Garmin GPS Trainer has 28 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of C172N Performance Pad's written reviews are positive against 33% of Garmin GPS Trainer's.
C172N Performance Pad ships an update every 14 months, Garmin GPS Trainer every 3 months. Both last shipped on October 23, 2026.
| Parameter | C172N Performance Pad | Garmin GPS Trainer |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $13.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 4.7 (3 ratings) — better | 2.1 (28 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better | 33.3% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 3 | 28 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 14 months | Every 3 months — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Free — better |
| Devices | iPad | iPad |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | 13.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 26 MB | 1.3 GB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Gyronimo, LLC | Garmin DCI |
Customer experience
C172N Performance Pad
Garmin GPS Trainer
In-app purchases
C172N Performance Pad
No in-app purchases
Garmin GPS Trainer
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is C172N Performance Pad free?
Is Garmin GPS Trainer free?
Which has better reviews, C172N Performance Pad or Garmin GPS Trainer?
Do C172N Performance Pad or Garmin GPS Trainer have ads?
Which is updated more often, C172N Performance Pad or Garmin GPS Trainer?
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