C172R vs HelicopterSchool
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
C172R
This app calculates mass, balance, and performance data for the Cessna 172R aircraft using actual Pilot's Operating Handbook data. It helps pilots quickly complete flight planning, experiment with scenarios, and determine optimal cruise altitudes, takeoff and landing distances, climb data, and stall speeds.
- Mass & Balance calculations
- Takeoff and Landing distance computation
- Climb performance analysis
- Optimal cruise altitude determination
- Fuel management and efficiency
- Interactive sliders for scenario testing
- High-resolution graphics
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Gyronimo Performance Pad -Cessna 172R- The ultimate computer for Mass & Balance and Performance. Compatibility: requires iPad 2 or newer, or iPad Mini Retina Calculate and interpolate performance data using the actual values from the Cessna 172 R 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 C172R 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 C172R 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 Wind Components Computer - Use the Wind Components page to determine your headwind or tailwind component. Rotate the wind dial to set wind direction, set windspeed and the results will be transferred to your takeoff computations automatically! 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 and calculate Break Horse Power (% BHP), Fuel Flow and True Airspeed The Max Range and Range including Reserve will be displayed graphically. The Fuel Management allows to enter Reserve Time for Contingency, Alternate and Final Reserve. The Fuel Usage is displayed graphically. Fuel Efficiency is computed in Miles per Gallon and Liter per 100km to set set results in a perspective. 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.
HelicopterSchool
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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
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: HelicopterSchool at Free against C172R's $16.99. HelicopterSchool also leads on update cadence (every 4 months vs every 23 months). C172R's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.0). On 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
HelicopterSchool is free to download; C172R costs $16.99 up front. HelicopterSchool sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $24.99 per month. C172R asks for nothing beyond the download.
C172R ships an update every 23 months, HelicopterSchool every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 7, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | C172R | HelicopterSchool |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $16.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 1 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 23 months | Every 4 months — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Paid | — |
| Devices | iPad | iPhone, iPad — better |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 30 MB | 28 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Gyronimo, LLC | SIRT6APPS LLC |
In-app purchases
C172R
No in-app purchases
HelicopterSchool
- Full Access$24.991 Month
- Full Access$179.991 Year
Questions
Is C172R free?
Is HelicopterSchool free?
Do C172R or HelicopterSchool have ads?
Which is updated more often, C172R or HelicopterSchool?
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