Comparison

C172N Performance Pad vs IFR Flight Trainer Simulator

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

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • Mass & Balance calculations
  • Takeoff and Landing distance computation
  • Climb performance analysis
  • Optimal cruise altitude determination
  • Wind component calculation
  • Weight & Balance load manifest export
Features
Read full description

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.

About

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator

Practice instrument flight rules (IFR) navigation with this simulator. Learn and improve IFR procedures, including VOR, NDB, and holding patterns. Offers cockpit and map modes with adjustable wind and built-in tasks for comprehensive pilot training.

Highlights
  • Cockpit and map modes
  • VOR, NDB, DME, HSI, EHSI, RMI instruments
  • Approach procedure practice
  • Adjustable wind settings
  • Holding pattern simulation
  • Custom scenario creation
  • Built-in training tasks
Features
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Flying by instrument flight rules (IFR) is not an easy task, especially for student pilots. With the IFR Flight Trainer Simulator, students can easily develop and experienced pilots can quickly improve their understanding of IFR navigation. This is the perfect app for learning and practicing IFR procedures, and it is much cheaper than a single flight hour. Try it out if you want to acquire an instrument rating or just want to brush up your IFR skills. IFR Flight Trainer Simulator was designed with simplicity and intuitive operability in mind. The instruments available are: VOR, RMI, HSI, EHSI, DME, Directional Gyro and airspeed indicator. Thanks to a NAV 1 and a NAV 2 modes, you will also be able to train for two NDB/VOR approaches. Main features: • COCKPIT/MAP - Use the cockpit mode to practice and use the map mode to set up a scenario and check you progress. Both the aircraft and ground stations can be easily relocated to a new position by dragging and dropping them. • VOR, DME, HSI, EHSI, RMI - This aviation app is carefully designed to reflect the characteristics of different instruments. Choose between VOR or NDB navigation, select your instruments (HSI/EHSI or RMI) and a speed range up to 400 kts. • APPROACH PROCEDURES - IFR Flight Trainer Simulator will help learn how to track a radial, how to intercept a radial outbound, inbound, how to fly a DME arc, and so on. It is the simplest way to learn the navigation procedures inside out! • WIND - Have you become familiar with all the procedures? Add some wind to spice things up. The wind settings are displayed on separate screen, where you can set its direction and speed to increase the challenge. • HOLDING - Set and practice standard or non-standard holding patterns. Test you skills with VOR or NDB fix holdings. You already know where your next flight will happen? Build a scenario for it in the app to practice what awaits you in real life. This way you can practice your flight in a safe environment before facing the real challenge in the cockpit. If you want to learn the essentials, take a look at the built-in tasks as well. All features: • Use the classic or glass cockpit mode to simulate what you see in a real aircraft • Use the map mode to learn and understand the procedures from a third-person point of view • Choose between VOR and NDB navigation • Use the following, carefully designed instruments: RMI, HSI, EHSI, Directional gyro, DME, Airspeed indicator • Fly your own routes by creating challenging scenarios, using holding patterns and adjusting the wind • Test your knowledge through various built-in tasks • Drag & drop the aircraft or ground station symbols to move them around quickly • Turn the aircraft with 1.5°/s, 3°/s (standard), 6°/s and 9°/s modes, or just simply rotate the compass dial • View your flight path by enabling the aircraft track trail • Simulate winds up to 50 kts • Practice IFR flying procedures by generating random scenarios Download the app to see for yourself whether we can help you learn the essentials of IFR navigation. Try it for free and prepare at home without wasting expensive flight or simulator time.

Screenshots

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: IFR Flight Trainer Simulator at Free against C172N Performance Pad's $13.99. IFR Flight Trainer Simulator also leads on update cadence (every 3 months vs every 14 months) and ratings volume (76 vs 3). C172N Performance Pad's advantage is rating (4.7 vs 3.9) and in-app purchases (none vs 2). On ads, device support and iOS requirement 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator is free to download; C172N Performance Pad costs $13.99 up front. IFR Flight Trainer Simulator sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. C172N Performance Pad asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

C172N Performance Pad holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: IFR Flight Trainer Simulator has 76 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 82% of IFR Flight Trainer Simulator's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

C172N Performance Pad ships an update every 14 months, IFR Flight Trainer Simulator every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
C172N Performance Pad versus IFR Flight Trainer Simulator: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterC172N Performance PadIFR Flight Trainer Simulator
Price$13.99Free — better
Rating4.7 (3 ratings) — better3.9 (76 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews — better81.5% of reviews
Number of ratings376 — better
Update frequencyEvery 14 monthsEvery 3 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidFree with in-app purchases — better
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS18.618.6
Further details — not scored
Size26 MB155 MB
Age rating4++4
DeveloperGyronimo, LLCFlygo-Aviation Ltd

Customer experience

C172N Performance Pad

All ratings3 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews6 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator

All ratings76 ratings
Positive71.1%
Neutral6.6%
Negative22.4%
Written reviews130 reviews
Positive81.5%
Neutral4.6%
Negative13.8%

Bugs and requests

C172N Performance Pad

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator

Reported bugs

6 issues
  • App crashes after short usage periods
  • Heading indicator gets stuck causing continuous turning
  • HSI radials appear to be offset or incorrect
  • DME distance calculations may be inaccurate (slant range issue)
  • Task completion triggers before reaching waypoints
Show 1 more
  • OBS cannot be changed without paid upgrade

Requested features

8 requests
  • Standard rate turn simulation for realistic intercepts and holdings
  • LOC (Localizer) mode for HSI reverse sensing practice
  • Fixed-card ADF instrument option
  • Adjustable turn rate settings to match different aircraft
  • Error feedback display showing incorrect flight paths
Show 3 more
  • Bearing and course to station relative to VOR1/VOR2
  • Higher difficulty levels for advanced pilots
  • Extended free trial period for proper app evaluation

In-app purchases

None

C172N Performance Pad

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator

One-time2
  • IFR Simulator Half Price$11.99
  • IFR Simulator Unlock$24.99

Questions

Is C172N Performance Pad free?
C172N Performance Pad costs $13.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is IFR Flight Trainer Simulator free?
IFR Flight Trainer Simulator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, C172N Performance Pad or IFR Flight Trainer Simulator?
C172N Performance Pad is rated higher. C172N Performance Pad averages 4.7 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while IFR Flight Trainer Simulator averages 3.9 from 76 ratings.
Do C172N Performance Pad or IFR Flight Trainer Simulator have ads?
Neither C172N Performance Pad nor IFR Flight Trainer Simulator shows ads.
Which is updated more often, C172N Performance Pad or IFR Flight Trainer Simulator?
C172N Performance Pad ships an update every 14 months, and IFR Flight Trainer Simulator every 3 months. Most recently, C172N Performance Pad was updated on October 11, 2026 and IFR Flight Trainer Simulator on October 20, 2026.

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