# IFR Flight Trainer Simulator vs Read Before Flight

The clearest difference is review sentiment: IFR Flight Trainer Simulator at 82% against Read Before Flight's 0%. IFR Flight Trainer Simulator also leads on rating (3.9 vs 1.0) and ratings volume (76 vs 3). Read Before Flight's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 3 months). 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. Read Before Flight asks for nothing beyond the download.

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator holds the better App Store score, 3.9 against 1.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: IFR Flight Trainer Simulator has 76 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 82% of IFR Flight Trainer Simulator's written reviews are positive against 0% of Read Before Flight's.

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator ships an update every 3 months, Read Before Flight every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | IFR Flight Trainer Simulator | Read Before Flight |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.9 (76 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ifr-flight-trainer-simulator/id901798935/reviews)** | [1.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/read-before-flight/id1110623206/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **76** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | **81.5% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 5 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 155 MB | 12 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | **9.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | +4 | 4+ |
| Developer | [Flygo-Aviation Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/550770776) | [Mobyle Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1090004318) |

## 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


### Read Before Flight

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/read-before-flight/id1110623206)

Access a digital library for aviation professionals, including pilots, cabin crew, and dispatchers. Content is managed by Flight Standards for the entire Holding.

**Highlights:** Digital library access, Targeted for pilots, For cabin crew, For dispatchers, Managed by Flight Standards

**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 Read Before Flight free?

Read Before Flight is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, IFR Flight Trainer Simulator or Read Before Flight?

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator is rated higher. IFR Flight Trainer Simulator averages 3.9 out of 5 from 76 ratings, while Read Before Flight averages 1.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do IFR Flight Trainer Simulator or Read Before Flight have ads?

Neither IFR Flight Trainer Simulator nor Read Before Flight shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, IFR Flight Trainer Simulator or Read Before Flight?

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator ships an update every 3 months, and Read Before Flight every 5 weeks. Most recently, IFR Flight Trainer Simulator was updated on October 13, 2026 and Read Before Flight on October 4, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*