# IFR Flight Trainer Simulator vs Ranger Trainer

The clearest difference is review sentiment: IFR Flight Trainer Simulator at 82% against Ranger Trainer's 0%. IFR Flight Trainer Simulator also leads on ratings volume (76 vs 19). Ranger Trainer's advantage is rating (4.6 vs 3.9) and update cadence (monthly vs every 3 months). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. IFR Flight Trainer Simulator sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and Ranger Trainer sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Ranger Trainer holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 76 and 19 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 82% of IFR Flight Trainer Simulator's written reviews are positive against 0% of Ranger Trainer'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, Ranger Trainer monthly. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | IFR Flight Trainer Simulator | Ranger Trainer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.9 (76 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ifr-flight-trainer-simulator/id901798935/reviews) | **[4.6 (19 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ranger-trainer/id1441892554/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **76** | 19 |
| Positive reviews | **81.5% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 155 MB | 20 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | +4 | 4+ |
| Developer | [Flygo-Aviation Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/550770776) | [Matthew Krivohlavy](https://appshunter.io/developer/1421640676) |

## 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


### Ranger Trainer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ranger-trainer/id1441892554)

This app offers an instrument navigation trainer for the TH-57C Sea Ranger helicopter. It provides free features for radial interception and beacon tracking, with a full version offering advanced wind modeling, directional gyro failure practice, and multiple display options.

**Highlights:** Instrument navigation training, Radial interception, NDB tracking, Rate turns, Wind modeling, Partial-panel practice

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full Version | $1.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is IFR Flight Trainer Simulator free?

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

### Is Ranger Trainer free?

Ranger Trainer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

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

Ranger Trainer is rated higher. IFR Flight Trainer Simulator averages 3.9 out of 5 from 76 ratings, while Ranger Trainer averages 4.6 from 19 ratings.

### Do IFR Flight Trainer Simulator or Ranger Trainer have ads?

Neither IFR Flight Trainer Simulator nor Ranger Trainer shows ads.

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

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator ships an update every 3 months, and Ranger Trainer monthly. Most recently, IFR Flight Trainer Simulator was updated on October 24, 2026 and Ranger Trainer on October 24, 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.*