# IFR Holding Pattern Trainer vs IFR Flight Simulator

The clearest difference is price: IFR Flight Simulator at Free against IFR Holding Pattern Trainer's $5.99. IFR Flight Simulator also leads on rating (4.3 vs 2.0) and update cadence (weekly vs every 3 months). IFR Holding Pattern Trainer's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 9). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

IFR Flight Simulator is free to download; IFR Holding Pattern Trainer costs $5.99 up front. IFR Flight Simulator sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. IFR Holding Pattern Trainer asks for nothing beyond the download.

IFR Flight Simulator holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 2.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: IFR Flight Simulator has 103 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 40% of IFR Holding Pattern Trainer's written reviews are positive against 64% of IFR Flight Simulator's.

IFR Holding Pattern Trainer ships an update every 3 months, IFR Flight Simulator weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 7, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | IFR Holding Pattern Trainer | IFR Flight Simulator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $5.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [2.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ifr-holding-pattern-trainer/id674946112/reviews) | **[4.3 (103 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ifr-flight-simulator/id6444241915/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 2 | **103** |
| Positive reviews | 40.0% of reviews | **63.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 151 MB | 116 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | **15.6** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Flygo-Aviation Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/550770776) | [Tobias Maihoff](https://appshunter.io/developer/1653306504) |

## What reviewers say

### IFR Holding Pattern Trainer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ifr-holding-pattern-trainer/id674946112)

This aviation trainer helps IFR pilots and students master complex holding procedures through explanations, visual aids, and interactive learning. It includes a test module and a quick finder map to enhance understanding and preparation for exams.

**Highlights:** Interactive learning system, Visual illustrations of holding patterns, Direct, parallel, and teardrop entry explanations, Test module with feedback, Quick Finder map view, Tested by real pilots and instructors

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### IFR Flight Simulator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ifr-flight-simulator/id6444241915)

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:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full Access | $9.99 | per month |
| Full Access | $19.99 | per 3 months |
| Full Access | $19.99 | per 3 months |
| Full Access | $59.99 | per year |
| SALE % Pro \| One-Time Purchase | $49.99 | one-time |
| SALE % Pro \| One-Time Purchase | $84.99 | one-time |
| Pro Access \| One-Time Purchase | $169.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is IFR Holding Pattern Trainer free?

IFR Holding Pattern Trainer costs $5.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is IFR Flight Simulator free?

IFR Flight Simulator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, IFR Holding Pattern Trainer or IFR Flight Simulator?

IFR Flight Simulator is rated higher. IFR Holding Pattern Trainer averages 2.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while IFR Flight Simulator averages 4.3 from 103 ratings.

### Do IFR Holding Pattern Trainer or IFR Flight Simulator have ads?

Neither IFR Holding Pattern Trainer nor IFR Flight Simulator shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, IFR Holding Pattern Trainer or IFR Flight Simulator?

IFR Holding Pattern Trainer ships an update every 3 months, and IFR Flight Simulator weekly. Most recently, IFR Holding Pattern Trainer was updated on September 7, 2026 and IFR Flight Simulator on September 26, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*