# IFR Flight Trainer Simulator vs Pilot's Handbook

The clearest difference is review sentiment: IFR Flight Trainer Simulator at 82% against Pilot's Handbook's 25%. IFR Flight Trainer Simulator also leads on ratings volume (76 vs 1) and iOS requirement (18.6 vs 26). Pilot's Handbook's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 3.9) and in-app purchases (none vs 2). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. IFR Flight Trainer Simulator sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Pilot's Handbook asks for nothing beyond the download.

Pilot's Handbook holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: IFR Flight Trainer Simulator has 76 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 82% of IFR Flight Trainer Simulator's written reviews are positive against 25% of Pilot's Handbook's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator ships an update every 3 months, Pilot's Handbook fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | IFR Flight Trainer Simulator | Pilot's Handbook |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.9 (76 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ifr-flight-trainer-simulator/id901798935/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pilots-handbook/id1106269027/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **76** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | **81.5% of reviews** | 25.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Size | 155 MB | 16 MB |
| Requires iOS | **18.6** | 26 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | +4 | +4 |
| Developer | [Flygo-Aviation Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/550770776) | [Daniel Delgado](https://appshunter.io/developer/1106269026) |

## What reviewers say

### IFR Flight Trainer Simulator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ifr-flight-trainer-simulator/id901798935)

Practice instrument flight rules (IFR) navigation with this simulator. Learn and improve IFR procedures, including VOR, NDB, and holding patterns. Offers cockpit and map modes with adjustable wind and built-in tasks for comprehensive pilot training.

**Highlights:** Cockpit and map modes, VOR, NDB, DME, HSI, EHSI, RMI instruments, Approach procedure practice, Adjustable wind settings, Holding pattern simulation, Custom scenario creation, Built-in training tasks

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| IFR Simulator Half Price | $11.99 | one-time |
| IFR Simulator Unlock | $24.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 User-friendly interface and intuitive controls
- 🎓 Excellent learning tool for IFR training and instrument procedures
- 🎮 Comprehensive customization options (wind, runway, conditions)
- 📊 Dual view modes (cockpit and map/plan view)
- 🎯 Realistic flight modeling and aerodynamics

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Aggressive monetization with limited free trial
- ⏱️ Unreasonably short trial period (3-5 minutes)
- 🔒 Paywall blocks most features in free version
- 🎯 Unrealistic immediate heading changes (no standard rate turns)
- 🐛 Occasional app crashes and stability issues

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes after short usage periods
- Heading indicator gets stuck causing continuous turning
- HSI radials appear to be offset or incorrect
- DME distance calculations may be inaccurate (slant range issue)
- Task completion triggers before reaching waypoints

**Requested features**

- Standard rate turn simulation for realistic intercepts and holdings
- LOC (Localizer) mode for HSI reverse sensing practice
- Fixed-card ADF instrument option
- Adjustable turn rate settings to match different aircraft
- Error feedback display showing incorrect flight paths


### Pilot's Handbook

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pilots-handbook/id1106269027)

Test your aviation knowledge with over 420 questions based on the FAA's Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge. Select specific chapters or take random tests to prepare for your pilot exams.

**Highlights:** 420+ FAA knowledge questions, Chapter-specific testing, Randomized full tests, Beginner and experienced pilot focus, 2018 database

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is IFR Flight Trainer Simulator free?

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Pilot's Handbook free?

Pilot's Handbook is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, IFR Flight Trainer Simulator or Pilot's Handbook?

Pilot's Handbook is rated higher. IFR Flight Trainer Simulator averages 3.9 out of 5 from 76 ratings, while Pilot's Handbook averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do IFR Flight Trainer Simulator or Pilot's Handbook have ads?

Neither IFR Flight Trainer Simulator nor Pilot's Handbook shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, IFR Flight Trainer Simulator or Pilot's Handbook?

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator ships an update every 3 months, and Pilot's Handbook fortnightly. Most recently, IFR Flight Trainer Simulator was updated on November 1, 2026 and Pilot's Handbook on November 3, 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.*