Comparison

simREF vs AeroLog Pilot Logbook

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

Head to head
About

simREF

This app provides quick-reference checklists and operational data for flight simulation on iPad. It features interactive normal and abnormal checklists, essential flight data, and a CG/Trim calculator for takeoff planning in a distraction-free, dark UI optimized for cockpit environments.

Highlights
  • Interactive Normal & Abnormal Checklists
  • Operational Data at a glance
  • CG/Trim calculator
  • Offline functionality
  • Dark UI for cockpit environments
  • iPad landscape optimized
Read full description

simREF is a quick-reference companion for flight simulation on iPad. Navigate realistic normal & abnormal checklists and operational data in a distraction-free UI. Features - Interactive Normal & Abnormal Checklists (A319/A320/A321/A330/A340/A350) - Operational Data at a glance (speeds, limitations, references) - CG/Trim calculator for takeoff planning (non A350) Works offline, designed for iPad in landscape Dark UI optimized for cockpit environments Who it’s for Flight-sim enthusiasts seeking a structured, QRH-style workflow on iPad. Notes For flight simulation use only. Not for real-world flight operations or training. simREF is not affiliated with or endorsed by any aircraft manufacturer or add-on developer.

About

AeroLog Pilot Logbook

Features
Read full description

AeroLog is the effortless digital logbook for pilots. Record every flight in seconds, keep your ratings current, and always know exactly where you stand—right from your iPhone or iPad. Whether you fly airplanes, helicopters, gliders, or balloons, AeroLog keeps your entire flying history organized, private, and always with you. No account required and no cloud lock-in—your data stays on your device. LOG FLIGHTS IN SECONDS • Capture date, route, flight time, PIC time, and landings with a fast, focused entry form • Manage your aircraft with registration, type, manufacturer, and category • Browse and filter your complete logbook at a glance STAY CURRENT • A color-coded dashboard shows your recency status instantly • See your totals and stay on top of your flying BRING YOUR HISTORY WITH YOU • Import existing logbooks from ForeFlight, Garmin Pilot, or any generic CSV • Full backup & restore keeps every detail safe EXPORT & SHARE • Export your logbook to CSV for free DESIGNED FOR PILOTS • Clean, native design for iPhone and iPad • ICAO airport codes and standard time formats • Works fully offline AEROLOG PRO Upgrade to AeroLog Pro to unlock: • Polished PDF logbook exports—perfect for printing, sharing, or your records • Smart currency reminders that alert you before your recency lapses AeroLog Pro is available as a monthly or yearly subscription, or a one-time lifetime purchase. Subscriptions automatically renew unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Payment is charged to your Apple Account at confirmation of purchase. Manage or cancel anytime in your App Store account settings. The lifetime option is a one-time purchase and does not renew. Terms of Use: https://aerolog.timneumann.tech/terms.html Privacy Policy: https://aerolog.timneumann.tech/privacy.html

Screenshots

AeroLog Pilot Logbook4 screens

Verdict

The call

simREF and AeroLog Pilot Logbook are too close to call on the numbers: across 6 compared parameters — price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

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. simREF sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and AeroLog Pilot Logbook sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

simREF ships an update every 2 weeks, AeroLog Pilot Logbook fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
simREF versus AeroLog Pilot Logbook: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParametersimREFAeroLog Pilot Logbook
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (3 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings3 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks — betterFortnightly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS17.0 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size148 MB17 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperChris-Luca FischerAlexander Neumann

In-app purchases

2 purchases

simREF

One-time2
  • IndiGo Virtual Integration$2.99
  • simREF Full Access$8.99
3 purchases

AeroLog Pilot Logbook

Subscriptions2
  • AeroLog Pro Monthly$3.991 Month
  • AeroLog Pro 1 Year$34.991 Year
One-time1
  • AeroLog Pro Lifetime$49.99

Questions

Is simREF free?
simREF is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is AeroLog Pilot Logbook free?
AeroLog Pilot Logbook is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do simREF or AeroLog Pilot Logbook have ads?
Neither simREF nor AeroLog Pilot Logbook shows ads.
Which is updated more often, simREF or AeroLog Pilot Logbook?
simREF ships an update every 2 weeks, and AeroLog Pilot Logbook fortnightly. Most recently, simREF was updated on October 11, 2026 and AeroLog Pilot Logbook on October 4, 2026.

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