Comparison

FAA Library vs AirplanesDB

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

Head to head
About

FAA Library

Access a comprehensive collection of Federal Aviation Administration training manuals. This app serves as an ideal study companion and reference guide for aspiring and current pilots, offering a wide range of essential aviation knowledge.

Highlights
  • Extensive FAA manual collection
  • Study companion and reference guide
  • Accessible on iOS devices
  • Includes Student Pilot Guide (Free)
  • Unlockable in-app purchases for more manuals
Read full description

FAA Library gives pilots, students, and instructors one place to study FAA manuals with less friction. You can unlock official references, keep them organized, and open them quickly when you need answers. The app is built to help you prepare with more confidence before every written test and checkride. Open the Manual Store, choose what you need, and add it to My Library in a few taps. From there, download manuals for offline access, continue reading on your schedule, and keep your purchased access tied to your account across devices. **All your FAA study materials together** My Library keeps your purchased manuals in a single list so you can stop jumping between scattered sources. Clear download status labels show what is ready now and what is still syncing. **Unlock only what you need** Use credits to unlock the exact manual that matches your current training phase. Search and filtering make it easier to find the right reference quickly instead of scrolling through noise. **Read with focus and context** The built-in reader supports table of contents navigation and in-document search so key sections are always close. Reader settings like fit width and fit page help you stay comfortable during longer sessions. **Stay productive without a signal** Download manuals to your device and keep learning when your connection is weak or unavailable. Your core references remain ready for review at home, at the airport, or in transit. **Keep access synced across devices** Sign in once to sync eligible purchases and continue where you left off on iPhone or iPad. That continuity keeps your progress moving even when your day changes. Download FAA Library and study with a calmer, more reliable workflow from first lesson to final review.

About

AirplanesDB

Features
Read full description

AirplanesDB is your pocket aviation encyclopedia. Browse a curated database of legendary and modern aircraft — from the supersonic Concorde to the Airbus A380, Boeing 747, Cessna 172, and more. AIRCRAFT DATABASE - Explore 15 detailed aircraft profiles with high-quality photos (more coming) - Full specifications, history timelines, variants, operators, and routes - Compare aircraft side by side - Save your favorites for quick access - Search by name or manufacturer AIRPORT DIRECTORY - Browse 1,000+ airports worldwide with ICAO/IATA codes, elevation, and runway data - Filter by country and search by name - Save favorite airports ADDITIONAL FEATURES - Light and dark theme support - Responsive layout for iPhone and iPad - Clean, intuitive interface DISCLAIMER: This app is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. All data is provided for simulation purposes only and must not be used for real-world aviation decision-making. Always refer to official aviation publications for accurate and up-to-date information.

Screenshots

FAA Library4 screens
AirplanesDB4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: AirplanesDB at none against FAA Library's 10. AirplanesDB also leads on device support and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 26.2). On price 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. FAA Library sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. AirplanesDB asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
FAA Library versus AirplanesDB: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFAA LibraryAirplanesDB
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.2 (294 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews1.8% of reviews—
Number of ratings294 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 9 days—
Ads—No
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
Devices—iPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS26.215.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size4 MB68 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperFishington StudiosDavide Fiorino

In-app purchases

10 purchases

FAA Library

One-time10
  • Student Pilot GuideFree
  • Aviation Instructor’s Sample Lesson PlansFree
  • Pilot Safety BrochuresFree
Show 7 more
  • Pilot Risk Management BrochuresFree
  • Tips on Mountain FlyingFree
  • Conducting an Effective Flight ReviewFree
  • Plane Sense: General Aviation Information$0.99
  • Airplane Flying Handbook$2.99
  • Instrument Flying Handbook$2.99
  • Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge$3.99
None

AirplanesDB

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is FAA Library free?
FAA Library is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is AirplanesDB free?
AirplanesDB is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

Other comparisons