# C172 Performance vs Handy Pilot

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: C172 Performance at none against Handy Pilot's 1. C172 Performance also leads on ratings volume (52 vs 1). Handy Pilot's advantage is update cadence (every 3 days vs every 2 months). On price, rating, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Handy Pilot sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. C172 Performance asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for C172 Performance against 5.0 for Handy Pilot. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: C172 Performance has 52 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

C172 Performance ships an update every 2 months, Handy Pilot every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on September 18, 2026 and September 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | C172 Performance | Handy Pilot |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.9 (52 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/c172-performance/id741721884/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/handy-pilot/id1573532661/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **52** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 90.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 15 MB | 25 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 14.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [POH Performance L.L.C.](https://appshunter.io/developer/641403529) | [Shin Nariai](https://appshunter.io/developer/1573530687) |

## What reviewers say

### C172 Performance

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/c172-performance/id741721884)

This app calculates essential flight performance data for Cessna 172 and 150 aircraft. It covers takeoff, landing, climb, cruise, descent, instrument procedures, and emergencies, with additional tools for holds and glide calculations. Cloud sync ensures your flight plans are accessible across devices.

**Highlights:** Takeoff and landing calculations, Climb, cruise, and descent performance, Instrument procedure planning, Emergency scenario calculations, Interactive hold calculator, Emergency glide distance calculator, Cloud sync for flight plans

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Handy Pilot

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/handy-pilot/id1573532661)

This app offers a suite of aviation-specific calculation tools for pilots of all levels. It simplifies complex flight planning and in-flight adjustments with features like unit conversion, wind component calculation, and descent rate planning. Enhance your flight efficiency and safety with these essential tools.

**Highlights:** Unit Converter for flight operations, Time Calculator for flight planning, Turning Radius and STD Rate Turn calculations, Wind Component and Limitation calculators, Descent Rate and Path Angle calculators, ILS and PAPI indication calculations, Holding Entry Pattern and Load Factor calculations

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock All Features | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is C172 Performance free?

C172 Performance is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Handy Pilot free?

Handy Pilot is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, C172 Performance or Handy Pilot?

Handy Pilot is rated higher. C172 Performance averages 4.9 out of 5 from 52 ratings, while Handy Pilot averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do C172 Performance or Handy Pilot have ads?

Both C172 Performance and Handy Pilot show ads.

### Which is updated more often, C172 Performance or Handy Pilot?

C172 Performance ships an update every 2 months, and Handy Pilot every 3 days. Most recently, C172 Performance was updated on September 18, 2026 and Handy Pilot on September 9, 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.*