Pocket Pilot vs Padpilot Academy
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Pocket Pilot
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Pocket Pilot is a complete ground school for the FAA Private Pilot written test. It teaches every subject with structured lessons, then tests you with full-length mock exams, so you know you're ready before you schedule the real thing. Updated for the 2026 FAA Knowledge Test. Most test prep apps are a question bank and nothing else. Pocket Pilot teaches first: when you miss a question, the lesson that explains it is already in the app, not in a textbook you have to buy separately. Everything works offline, at the airport or anywhere without signal. WHAT YOU GET • Structured lessons: short, focused sections with clear diagrams that break dense topics down, so you understand the material instead of memorizing answers. • 1,000+ questions: every one explained, referenced, and linked to the lesson that teaches it. • Full mock written exams: 60 questions, a 70% passing score, and a real time limit. Review every question afterward to see exactly where you went wrong. • Spaced repetition: questions you miss come back at the right interval, so weak spots get extra practice while mastered ones fade out. • Progress tracking: completion, quiz, and exam scores for every subject, so you know when you're ready to take the written ahead of your checkride. • Streaks, XP, and levels: small daily habits that keep the studying going. • Works offline: all content ships inside the app. No signal required. • Dark mode: every screen, not just the reader. Follows your device setting, or set it yourself. FAA PRIVATE PILOT SUBJECTS Regulations · Aerodynamics · Flight Instruments · Aircraft Systems · Weather · Weather Services · Flight Performance · Navigation · Airport Operations · Aeromedical Training under EASA or the UK CAA instead? Pocket Pilot covers those private pilot exams too, with progress tracked separately. FREE TO START No account needed. Pick FAA and your first subject is free. Upgrade to Pocket Pilot Pro any time to unlock every subject, full mock exams, and unlimited review. SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION Pocket Pilot Pro is available as an auto-renewing subscription (Monthly or Annual) or as a one-time Lifetime purchase. Prices are shown in the app in your local currency. Payment is charged to your App Store account at confirmation of purchase. Subscriptions renew automatically unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period; your account is charged for renewal within 24 hours before the period ends. You can manage or cancel a subscription in your App Store account settings after purchase. Privacy Policy: https://www.getpocketpilot.app/privacy Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.getpocketpilot.app/terms
Padpilot Academy
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"Padpilot Academy is the decidated learning management platform for student pilots studying towards EASA, UK CAA, and GCAA pilot licences. Designed exclusively for use through ATOs, the Padpilot Academy gives student pilots seamless access to their ground school coursework, CBT, and progress tracking - all in one place. Features include: Access to Padpilot's industry-leading CBT content across ATPL(A) subjects Progress tracking so students and instructors can monitor study hours and course completion Clean, intuitive interface Secure login Please note that access to the Padpilot Academy is available exclusively through ATO. Individual student licences are not available for direct purchase through this app. Please contact your ATO for access."
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Padpilot Academy at none against Pocket Pilot's 3. Padpilot Academy also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 2 weeks). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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. Pocket Pilot sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Padpilot Academy asks for nothing beyond the download.
Pocket Pilot ships an update every 2 weeks, Padpilot Academy weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Pocket Pilot | Padpilot Academy |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | Weekly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 16.4 — better | 16.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 77 MB | 98 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Matthew Lynam | Padpilot Limited |
In-app purchases
Pocket Pilot
- Pocket Pilot Pro (Monthly)7 Days trial$9.991 Month
- Pocket Pilot Pro (Annual)7 Days trial$49.991 Year
- Pocket Pilot Pro (Lifetime)$79.99
Padpilot Academy
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Pocket Pilot free?
Is Padpilot Academy free?
Do Pocket Pilot or Padpilot Academy have ads?
Which is updated more often, Pocket Pilot or Padpilot Academy?
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