FRATForm vs MachDB
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
FRATForm
This tool assists pilots in quickly evaluating flight risks using established mnemonics. It provides a structured approach for student, recreational, and professional pilots to optimize safety before each flight.
- Flight risk assessment
- PAVE mnemonic
- IMSAFE mnemonic
- Solo and dual flight optimization
- Structured preflight check
- Instructor-aware scoring
- Training record summaries
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FRAT Form helps pilots quickly assess flight risk using mnemonics like PAVE and IMSAFE. If you are on a solo mission or a dual flight with an instructor use FRATForm do optimize safety. Users that need this app: -Student pilots who need a simple, structured way to run PAVE before each lesson. -Renters & recreational GA pilots flying Part 91 who don’t have a built-in FRAT from a school or operator. -Owner-operators who fly themselves and want a quick, repeatable preflight risk check. -Pilots at schools/clubs without a formal FRAT needing an organized, consistent process. -CFIs/Check instructors who want instructor-aware scoring and easy summaries for training records. -Flying clubs & grassroots groups standardizing risk assessment across diverse aircraft and member experience. -Backcountry/Weekend flyers where conditions and judgment calls vary flight-to-flight. -Part 91 corporate/department pilots seeking a lightweight supplement to SOPs when a full SMS isn’t provided. -Safety officers and training leads who want a simple tool to encourage risk discussions and capture sign-offs.
MachDB
Easily download and transfer Garmin avionics database updates to an SD card using your iPhone or iPad. This app supports a wide range of Garmin avionics and requires only a standard USB-C SD card reader. Updates are fast and convenient for field use.
- Download Garmin database updates
- Transfer updates to SD card
- iPhone and iPad compatible
- Supports various Garmin avionics
- Uses standard USB-C SD card reader
- Fast Wi-Fi/Cellular downloads
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MachDB allows you to download and transfer Garmin avionics database updates to an SD card in seconds using your iPhone or iPad for fast updates in the field. All you need is your iPhone or iPad and a standard USB-C SD card reader. No proprietary hardware required! Download fast over Wi-Fi or Cellular connections. MachDB is compatible with all modern Garmin avionics that use SD cards or USB keys for database updates, using your existing Jeppesen or Garmin database account. Supported avionics include: -Garmin G1000, G1000 Nxi, Perspective and Perspective + -Garmin G3000 and Perspective Touch -Garmin GTN 600 and 700 Xi -Garmin G500, G600 and G700 -Garmin G3X and G2000 -Garmin GI 275 Supported Database Providers: -Jeppesen -Garmin
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is ratings volume: MachDB at 3 against FRATForm's 1. On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for FRATForm against 5.0 for MachDB. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 3 respectively.
| Parameter | FRATForm | MachDB |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) | 5.0 (3 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 3 — better |
| Update frequency | — | Every 2 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | 17.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 1 MB | 16 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Barrett Harvey | MachDB LLC |
Customer experience
FRATForm
MachDB
In-app purchases
FRATForm
No in-app purchases
MachDB
No in-app purchases









