Comparison

Instrument Pilot Checkride vs UpskillAir

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

Head to head
About

Instrument Pilot Checkride

This app prepares aspiring pilots for their instrument rating practical exam by providing over 700 likely examiner questions and succinct answers. It covers all essential topics, follows Airman Certification Standards, and helps identify knowledge gaps for efficient study.

Highlights
  • Over 700 questions and answers
  • Covers all instrument rating topics
  • Based on Airman Certification Standards
  • Flag questions for further study
  • Includes CFII specific chapter
  • Researched using FAA documents
Features
Currently charting
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Using a question-and-answer format, Instrument Pilot Checkride lists the questions most likely to be asked by examiners during the last step in the pilot certification process – the Practical Exam – and provides succinct, ready responses. Pilots will find this App an indispensable tool in both planning for what to expect during the instrument rating checkride, and mastering the subject matter. Instructors rate them as excellent preparation for students, as well as preps for Instrument Proficiency Checks (IPC), aircraft transitions, and as general refresher material. Effective preparation for tests issued under the guidance of the Airman Certification Standards. This Instrument Pilot Checkride app is based on the popular Instrument Oral Exam Guide Eleventh Edition book by Jason Blair. It is designed for pilots training for the Instrument Rating or the Instrument Flight Instructor (CFII) certificate. More than 700 questions and responses ensure all the subjects an Instrument Rating candidate will be tested on during checkrides and IPCs are covered. Organization follows the Airman Certification Standards and topics include: preflight, departure, en route, arrival, and scenario-based training. A separate chapter is provided for Instrument Flight Instructor (CFII) applicants. Answers and explanations were researched using FAA documents (which are identified so pilots know where to go for further study) as well as interviewing FAA examiners. Questions include the ACS code and can be marked for further study from any subject to build your own collection of flashcards. An Applicant Practical Test Checklist and Instrument Proficiency Check Guidance document are also included. Compatible with iOS phones and tablets, this app teaches applicants not only what to expect, but also how to exhibit subject mastery and confidence when under the examiner’s scrutiny. It identifies candidates’ strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in their aeronautical knowledge, which increases study efficiency. App features: • More than 700 questions are included with succinct, ready responses. • Questions from any subject can be flagged for further study into a separate group. • Includes all the questions and answers from the popular book, Instrument Oral Exam Guide Eleventh Edition, by Jason Blair. • Brought to you by a trusted resource in aviation training and publishing, Aviation Supplies & Academics (ASA).

About

UpskillAir

Features
Read full description

Upskill Air is the ultimate app designed for aspiring pilots and aviation professionals, providing informative flight training videos paired with comprehensive documentation to enhance your learning experience. Whether you're preparing for certifications or expanding your aviation knowledge, Upskill Air offers an intuitive and engaging platform to help you succeed.

Screenshots

Instrument Pilot Checkride4 screens
UpskillAir4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: UpskillAir at Free against Instrument Pilot Checkride's $9.99. UpskillAir also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 25 months). Instrument Pilot Checkride's advantage is chart position (#181 vs unranked). On ads, in-app purchases, 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

UpskillAir is free to download; Instrument Pilot Checkride costs $9.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Instrument Pilot Checkride ships an update every 25 months, UpskillAir every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 8 level
Instrument Pilot Checkride versus UpskillAir: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterInstrument Pilot CheckrideUpskillAir
Price$9.99Free — better
Rating2.4 (9 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings9 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 25 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaid—
Best chart rank#181 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS14.0 — better15.5
Further details — not scored
Size9 MB53 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperASAUpskill Air

In-app purchases

None

Instrument Pilot Checkride

No in-app purchases

None

UpskillAir

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Instrument Pilot Checkride free?
Instrument Pilot Checkride costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is UpskillAir free?
UpskillAir is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Instrument Pilot Checkride or UpskillAir have ads?
Neither Instrument Pilot Checkride nor UpskillAir shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Instrument Pilot Checkride or UpskillAir?
Instrument Pilot Checkride ships an update every 25 months, and UpskillAir every 3 weeks. Most recently, Instrument Pilot Checkride was updated on October 24, 2026 and UpskillAir on October 2, 2026.

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