A320 CFDS Trainer Lite vs A320 CBT
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
A320 CFDS Trainer Lite
Master the A320 Centralized Fault Display System with this mobile maintenance training app. Practice fault reporting, navigate menus, and access reference pages from related systems. Designed by aviation experts for professionals, it offers offline functionality and an ad-free experience.
- Practice PFR creation
- Navigate CFDS menus
- Access Normal and Menu Modes
- View static reference pages
- Offline functionality
- Ad-free learning
Read full descriptionHide full description
A320 CFDS Maintenance Trainer Lite Master the A320 Centralized Fault Display System directly from your mobile device with this specialized maintenance training app. Designed by aviation maintenance experts for maintenance professionals, this app delivers an authentic learning experience of core CFDS functions. Not intended for pilot training. KEY FEATURES: - Practice PFR (Post Flight Report) creation with and without faults - Navigate CFDS menus and submenus - Access both Normal and Menu Modes - View static reference pages from related systems (FMS, ATSU, AIDS) - Optimized performance for older hardware - 100% ad-free learning experience - Full offline functionality Developed by ERM SIMS, specialists in aviation maintenance training simulations, this Lite version provides essential A320 CFDS navigation training in a user-friendly interface. FMS and other system pages are static view-only references to help maintenance personnel explore system relationships. Check out our Full version offering expanded capabilities and enhanced features. Disclaimer: This application serves as a reference tool only and does not replace official maintenance manuals, which remain the primary information source. Variations may exist due to different A320 configuration options.
A320 CBT
A flight simulator designed to improve unstable approach prevention for A320 series pilots. Features interactive lessons, free flight mode, and realistic physics for a comprehensive training experience.
- Unstable approach prevention
- Interactive lessons
- Free flight mode
- Realistic physics engine
- High-quality vector graphics
- Autopilot control
Read full descriptionHide full description
A link to the manual is in Menu - Settings - About. A320 CBT is a sophisticated flight simulator that is specifically designed to help prevent unstable approaches. It is an excellent tool for both instructors and pilots new to the A320 series aircraft. It supports both the A320, A321, and the NEO. This app is entirely created by an active A320 Captain and the author of the book "Practical Descent Energy Management". A320 CBT is a unique, first-ever flight simulator that features interactive lessons as well as a free flight mode. Several predefined scenarios are included that help you save time setting up high energy situations. You can also save the current state of flight to create custom situations. All phases of flight are supported, from take off, landing, to go-around. It also supports ILS, VOR, and RNP approaches. The ILS signal bends realistically outside of its normal range, simulating real-world behavior. If features a novel proprietary physics engine that uses very little hardware resources while at the same time providing a realistic flight experience. A revolutionary vector graphics engine made by Rive, provides super sharp, high quality graphics. It supports lossless zooming, making it suitable to run on small screen devices without blurred graphics when zoomed in. The intuitive interface allows you to easily control the Autopilot via the FCU buttons. Both cold weather and incorrect QNH situations are supported. The runway elevation can be changed to easily create different high airfield scenarios. Disclaimer: this is not an official training tool. System, performance, and SOP errors can occur. Always follow aircraft manufacturer and company manuals. App Restrictions A320 CBT is not an official training tool. System, performance, and SOP inconsistencies can occur. The app is not intended to be an FMS trainer. The FMS (MCDU) simulation is very limited. The app focusses on accurate FCU, FMA, and performance simulation instead. No NAV database is supported. Fictitious airports, SID, and STARs are used. Only one SID is available. Only two STARs are available. Only one airport is available for departure and two for arrival. Flight from A to B (or return to departure airfield) is not possible. The scenery is night time and point light based only. Only one point light scenery area is available. Unusual attitudes are not supported. The altitude tape is limited to FL 405. Negative altitudes are not supported. Lesson state save is only partially supported. The app is not certified for official training use. The app cannot be used while in a real cockpit. Real aircraft warning sounds are used. Manual flight is designed for instrument scan practice, not for handling skills. Manual thrust is not available. Joystick and game pad is not supported. Only ND ARC mode is supported. Only ND CSTR selection is available. ADF/NDB is not supported. EPR gauges are not supported, only N1 is supported. Viewing the airplane from the outside is not supported. 3D cockpit is not supported, only some 2D panels are supported.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: A320 CBT at 90% against A320 CFDS Trainer Lite's 25%. A320 CBT also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 3 months). A320 CFDS Trainer Lite's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 5) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads, monetization model 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
Both are free to download. A320 CBT sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. A320 CFDS Trainer Lite asks for nothing beyond the download.
A320 CFDS Trainer Lite ships an update every 3 months, A320 CBT fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on August 17, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | A320 CFDS Trainer Lite | A320 CBT |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 3.8 (4 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 25.0% of reviews | 90.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | — | 4 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | Fortnightly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 — better | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 69 MB | 191 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | ERM SIMS LLC | Tjeerd Schouten |
Customer experience
A320 CFDS Trainer Lite
A320 CBT
In-app purchases
A320 CFDS Trainer Lite
No in-app purchases
A320 CBT
- Unlock unlimited save files$0.99
- Unlock Normal Ops 3D$4.99
- Basic Package$9.99
Show 2 moreShow fewer
- Unlock ECAM Failures$39.99
- Unlock everything$49.99
Questions
Is A320 CFDS Trainer Lite free?
Is A320 CBT free?
Do A320 CFDS Trainer Lite or A320 CBT have ads?
Which is updated more often, A320 CFDS Trainer Lite or A320 CBT?
Other comparisons















