Comparison

IFR Flight Simulator vs Systems Trainer

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

Head to head
About

IFR Flight Simulator

This aviation simulator helps pilots master IFR procedures and prepare for instrument ratings. Practice holdings, intercepts, and approaches with realistic flight simulation and navigation tools on your phone. Ideal for student and experienced pilots seeking convenient, effective training.

Highlights
  • Realistic aviation training
  • Worldwide flight navigation database
  • Comprehensive training modes
  • Real-time flight simulator
  • Integrated autopilot
  • Optimal holding entry path overlay
Features
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Practice holdings, radial intercepts, and DME arcs on your phone before your next simulator session. Calculate the procedure, fly it with live instruments, and review your track in the debrief. IFR Flight Simulator combines focused IFR procedure training with real-time flight simulation, worldwide navigation data, and a choice of glass cockpit or classic gauges. What you can practice: • Holding Trainer: Randomized holding situations. Determine the entry, calculate the wind correction angles, then fly the pattern. • Intercept Trainer: Inbound and outbound radial intercepts as well as QDM/QDR intercepts. • DME Arc Trainer: Fly DME arcs and calculate the angle of lead to turn onto the inbound course at the right moment. • Approaches: Set up a final intercept, a position in the pattern (downwind, base, or final), or a full approach at any airport, including ILS. • IFR mental math: Practice entries, wind correction angles, and lead points until the calculations become automatic. Worldwide navigation database: • Navigation data from a recent AIRAC cycle, with worldwide coverage: 13,000+ airports and 10,000+ VORs, NDBs, and other navaids. • Train with real airports and navaids instead of generic exercise locations. Real-time flight simulator: • Modern glass cockpit (PFD and ND) or classic gauges. • Autopilot with rotary controls for heading, altitude, and speed, or fly manually by tilting your device. • Fast-forward mode to repeat procedures efficiently. • Live Map: your position and flight path in real time. • Live Needle Overlay: watch where the HSI and CDI needles actually point as they move with the aircraft symbol across the map. • Optimal Holding Entry Path Overlay: compare your flown track with the wind-corrected entry and holding pattern. • Flight Log with Debrief: every flight is recorded. Replay the track and the needle movement, or resume the flight later. Built for instrument rating training, proficiency practice, and simulator assessments. "I am currently training for my Instrument Rating, and my FI recommended this app to me. I didn't think such a high quality, useful training tool was possible as an app. Incredible for VOR bearings, practicing holds and command headings." App Store review by Sa4mmy Questions or feedback? Reach us at support@ifrsimulator.com. Disclaimer: This application is for training and educational purposes only. It must not be used for real-world flight planning or in-flight decision-making. While the developer strives to provide information and calculations that are as accurate and up-to-date as reasonably possible, they may still be incomplete or inaccurate, and other accepted methods exist for deriving procedures and correction angles. Always verify data against official aeronautical publications and follow the guidance of a certified flight instructor. The developer accepts no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions, or outcomes arising from use of this software. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

Systems Trainer

Features
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Systems Trainer – Challenger 3500 Systems Trainer Systems Trainer is the dedicated study companion for pilots flying or transitioning to the Bombardier Challenger 3500. Designed to help you build, maintain, and sharpen your aircraft systems knowledge, whether you're preparing for a recurrent check, an oral exam, or simply want to stay sharp between flights. COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEMS COVERAGE: Study all Challenger 3500 aircraft systems in one place: • Air Conditioning & Pressurization • Automatic Flight Control & Autothrottle • Auxiliary Power Unit • Communications • Electrical • Fire Protection • Flight Controls & Flight Instruments • Fuel & Hydraulics • Ice & Rain Protection • Landing Gear & Lighting • Limitations • Navigation • Oxygen & Emergency Equipment • Powerplant • Aural & Visual Alerts THREE QUIZ MODES: Challenge yourself the way that suits you best. Multiple Choice tests your recall against plausible alternatives. Flashcard mode lets you self-assess at your own pace. True/False sharpens your instinct for correct procedures and limitations. Mix and match modes or focus on a single system, the choice is yours. IMMEDIATE ACTION ITEMS: Train the procedures that matter most under pressure. The dedicated Immediate Action Items section lets you study and drill all emergency memory items with timed drills, step-by-step review, and a strict mastery standard: three consecutive correct answers within the target time. Because in a real emergency, there is no time to think. SMART PROGRESS TRACKING: Every question you answer contributes to your progress. Track mastery per system, monitor your overall accuracy, follow your daily study streaks, and earn points as you grow your knowledge. The Statistics view gives you a clear picture of where you stand and where to focus next. ACHIEVEMENTS: Stay motivated with a full achievement system spanning four categories. From your first question to mastering all systems and all Immediate Action Items, milestones reward consistent effort and depth of knowledge. BOOKMARKS: Flag questions you want to revisit. Build your own personal review list of tricky limitations, unfamiliar procedures, or topics you want to reinforce before your next flight. BUILT FOR PILOTS: Systems Trainer is built with technical accuracy as the top priority. All content has been independently compiled for study purposes and reflects publicly available aircraft systems knowledge. The app is designed as a study aid to complement your official training, not to replace it. Always refer to current approved documentation for operational use. Study smarter. Stay current. Know your aircraft. Systems Trainer is an independent study aid and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or approved by Bombardier or any regulatory authority. All content is intended for study purposes only.

Screenshots

IFR Flight Simulator4 screens
Systems Trainer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Systems Trainer at none against IFR Flight Simulator's 9. IFR Flight Simulator's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 2 weeks) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.6). On price, 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

Both are free to download. IFR Flight Simulator sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Systems Trainer asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

IFR Flight Simulator ships an update weekly, Systems Trainer every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and September 9, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
IFR Flight Simulator versus Systems Trainer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterIFR Flight SimulatorSystems Trainer
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.3 (103 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews63.6% of reviews—
Number of ratings103 — better—
Update frequencyWeekly — betterEvery 2 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.6 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size116 MB1000 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTobias MaihoffPatrick Heinrich

In-app purchases

7 purchases

IFR Flight Simulator

Subscriptions4
  • Full Access2 variants$9.991 Month
  • Full Access7 Days trial$19.993 Months
  • Full Access$19.993 Months
Show 1 more
  • Full Access7 Days trial2 variants$59.991 Year
One-time3
  • SALE % Pro | One-Time Purchase$49.99
  • SALE % Pro | One-Time Purchase$84.99
  • Pro Access | One-Time Purchase$169.99
None

Systems Trainer

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is IFR Flight Simulator free?
IFR Flight Simulator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Systems Trainer free?
Systems Trainer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do IFR Flight Simulator or Systems Trainer have ads?
Neither IFR Flight Simulator nor Systems Trainer shows ads.
Which is updated more often, IFR Flight Simulator or Systems Trainer?
IFR Flight Simulator ships an update weekly, and Systems Trainer every 2 weeks. Most recently, IFR Flight Simulator was updated on October 1, 2026 and Systems Trainer on September 9, 2026.

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