# C172N Performance Pad vs IFR Flight Trainer Simulator

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.

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.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | C172N Performance Pad | IFR Flight Trainer Simulator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $13.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/c172n-performance-pad/id587354978/reviews)** | [3.9 (76 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ifr-flight-trainer-simulator/id901798935/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **76** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 81.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 14 months | **Every 3 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 26 MB | 155 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | 18.6 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | +4 |
| Developer | [Gyronimo, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/536898885) | [Flygo-Aviation Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/550770776) |

## What reviewers say

### C172N Performance Pad

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/c172n-performance-pad/id587354978)

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:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### IFR Flight Trainer Simulator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ifr-flight-trainer-simulator/id901798935)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| IFR Simulator Half Price | $11.99 | one-time |
| IFR Simulator Unlock | $24.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 User-friendly interface and intuitive controls
- 🎓 Excellent learning tool for IFR training and instrument procedures
- 🎮 Comprehensive customization options (wind, runway, conditions)
- 📊 Dual view modes (cockpit and map/plan view)
- 🎯 Realistic flight modeling and aerodynamics

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Aggressive monetization with limited free trial
- ⏱️ Unreasonably short trial period (3-5 minutes)
- 🔒 Paywall blocks most features in free version
- 🎯 Unrealistic immediate heading changes (no standard rate turns)
- 🐛 Occasional app crashes and stability issues

**Reported bugs**

- 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

**Requested features**

- 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


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