Comparison

C172P Performance Pad vs HelicopterSchool

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

Head to head
About

C172P Performance Pad

This app provides comprehensive flight planning tools for the Cessna 172P, calculating mass and balance, takeoff and landing distances, climb performance, and optimal cruise altitudes. It allows users to experiment with various scenarios and view results in high-resolution graphics.

Highlights
  • Mass & Balance calculations
  • Takeoff and Landing distance calculation
  • Climb performance analysis
  • Optimal cruise altitude determination
  • Stall speed calculation
  • Save and load aircraft settings
  • Email load manifest summary
Read full description

Gyronimo Performance Pad -Cessna 172P- The ultimate computer for Mass & Balance and Performance. Compatibility: requires iPad 3 or newer, or iPad Mini Retina This app does not run on iPad 1, iPad 2 or the iPad Mini (non Retina) Now with support for Standard, Long Range and Integral Fuel Tanks! Calculate and interpolate performance data using the actual values from the Cessna 172P 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 C172P 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 C172P 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 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 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

HelicopterSchool

Features
Read full description

Prepare for your helicopter checkride with structured lessons, audio, flashcards, and quizzes built specifically for rotorcraft pilots. Study for your Private Pilot, Commercial, Instrument, CFI, and CFII checkrides. Learn key concepts, target weak areas, test your knowledge, and track your progress, all in one place. HelicopterSchool includes: • Clear, focused lessons • Aviation weather training • Audio lessons for studying anywhere • Adaptive flashcards • Customizable quizzes with instant feedback • Progress tracking and cross-device sync Build your knowledge and approach your checkride with confidence. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

HelicopterSchool4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: HelicopterSchool at Free against C172P Performance Pad's $13.99. C172P Performance Pad's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.0). 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

HelicopterSchool is free to download; C172P Performance Pad costs $13.99 up front. HelicopterSchool sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $24.99 per month. C172P Performance Pad asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

C172P Performance Pad ships an update every 8 months, HelicopterSchool every 9 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
C172P Performance Pad versus HelicopterSchool: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterC172P Performance PadHelicopterSchool
Price$13.99Free — better
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 8 months — betterEvery 9 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaid—
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS12.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size26 MB26 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGyronimo, LLCSIRT6APPS LLC

In-app purchases

None

C172P Performance Pad

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

HelicopterSchool

Subscriptions2
  • Full Access$24.991 Month
  • Full Access$179.991 Year

Questions

Is C172P Performance Pad free?
C172P Performance Pad costs $13.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is HelicopterSchool free?
HelicopterSchool is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do C172P Performance Pad or HelicopterSchool have ads?
Neither C172P Performance Pad nor HelicopterSchool shows ads.
Which is updated more often, C172P Performance Pad or HelicopterSchool?
C172P Performance Pad ships an update every 8 months, and HelicopterSchool every 9 months. Most recently, C172P Performance Pad was updated on November 1, 2026 and HelicopterSchool on October 7, 2026.

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