IFR Flight Simulator vs Alpha
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- Realistic aviation training
- Worldwide flight navigation database
- Comprehensive training modes
- Real-time flight simulator
- Integrated autopilot
- Optimal holding entry path overlay
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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/
Alpha
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Practise the NATO phonetic alphabet by playing an air traffic controller. Speak the NATO phonetic words to direct aircraft to destinations. Example: Say "Alpha Bravo" to select aircraft AB, then "Charlie Delta" to send it to destination CD.
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Verdict
The clearest difference is price: IFR Flight Simulator at Free against Alpha's $1.99. IFR Flight Simulator also leads on iOS requirement (15.6 vs 26.0). Alpha's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 9). 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
IFR Flight Simulator is free to download; Alpha costs $1.99 up front. IFR Flight Simulator sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Alpha asks for nothing beyond the download.
IFR Flight Simulator ships an update every 5 days, Alpha every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | IFR Flight Simulator | Alpha |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free — better | $1.99 |
| Rating | 4.3 (103 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 64.7% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 103 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 5 days | Every 3 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 — better | 26.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 117 MB | 4 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Tobias Maihoff | Michael Hoereth |
In-app purchases
IFR Flight Simulator
- Full Access2 variants$9.991 Month
- Full Access7 Days trial$19.993 Months
- Full Access$19.993 Months
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- Full Access7 Days trial$59.991 Year
- Full Access7 Days trial$79.991 Year
- SALE % Pro | One-Time Purchase$49.99
- SALE % Pro | One-Time Purchase$84.99
- Pro Access | One-Time Purchase$169.99
Alpha
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is IFR Flight Simulator free?
Is Alpha free?
Do IFR Flight Simulator or Alpha have ads?
Which is updated more often, IFR Flight Simulator or Alpha?
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