# IFR Flight Trainer Simulator vs PSTAR Prep

The clearest difference is price: IFR Flight Trainer Simulator at Free against PSTAR Prep's $2.99. IFR Flight Trainer Simulator also leads on update cadence (every 3 months vs every 29 months). PSTAR Prep's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and review sentiment (92% vs 82%). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator is free to download; PSTAR Prep costs $2.99 up front. IFR Flight Trainer Simulator sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. PSTAR Prep asks for nothing beyond the download.

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator ships an update every 3 months, PSTAR Prep every 29 months. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | IFR Flight Trainer Simulator | PSTAR Prep |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $2.99 |
| Rating | **[3.9 (76 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ifr-flight-trainer-simulator/id901798935/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **76** | — |
| Positive reviews | 81.5% of reviews | **91.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 months** | Every 29 months |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Size | 155 MB | 56 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | +4 | 4+ |
| Developer | [Flygo-Aviation Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/550770776) | [Paper Plane Ventures Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1585259212) |

## 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


### PSTAR Prep

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pstar-prep/id1598122511)

Prepare for Transport Canada's PSTAR Exam with interactive flashcards and practice tests. This app offers a personalized training program to focus on areas needing review, helping you learn faster and track your progress towards your student pilot permit.

**Highlights:** Interactive flashcards, Multiple choice questions, Personalized training program, Progress tracking scoreboard, Unlimited practice exams, Actual exam questions

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**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 PSTAR Prep free?

PSTAR Prep costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Do IFR Flight Trainer Simulator or PSTAR Prep have ads?

Neither IFR Flight Trainer Simulator nor PSTAR Prep shows ads.

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

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator ships an update every 3 months, and PSTAR Prep every 29 months. Most recently, IFR Flight Trainer Simulator was updated on October 13, 2026 and PSTAR Prep on October 16, 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.*