Comparison

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator vs SimuDrone

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

Head to head
About

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator

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
Read full description

Flying by instrument flight rules (IFR) is not an easy task, especially for student pilots. With the IFR Flight Trainer Simulator, students can easily develop and experienced pilots can quickly improve their understanding of IFR navigation. This is the perfect app for learning and practicing IFR procedures, and it is much cheaper than a single flight hour. Try it out if you want to acquire an instrument rating or just want to brush up your IFR skills. IFR Flight Trainer Simulator was designed with simplicity and intuitive operability in mind. The instruments available are: VOR, RMI, HSI, EHSI, DME, Directional Gyro and airspeed indicator. Thanks to a NAV 1 and a NAV 2 modes, you will also be able to train for two NDB/VOR approaches. Main features: • COCKPIT/MAP - Use the cockpit mode to practice and use the map mode to set up a scenario and check you progress. Both the aircraft and ground stations can be easily relocated to a new position by dragging and dropping them. • VOR, DME, HSI, EHSI, RMI - This aviation app is carefully designed to reflect the characteristics of different instruments. Choose between VOR or NDB navigation, select your instruments (HSI/EHSI or RMI) and a speed range up to 400 kts. • APPROACH PROCEDURES - IFR Flight Trainer Simulator will help learn how to track a radial, how to intercept a radial outbound, inbound, how to fly a DME arc, and so on. It is the simplest way to learn the navigation procedures inside out! • WIND - Have you become familiar with all the procedures? Add some wind to spice things up. The wind settings are displayed on separate screen, where you can set its direction and speed to increase the challenge. • HOLDING - Set and practice standard or non-standard holding patterns. Test you skills with VOR or NDB fix holdings. You already know where your next flight will happen? Build a scenario for it in the app to practice what awaits you in real life. This way you can practice your flight in a safe environment before facing the real challenge in the cockpit. If you want to learn the essentials, take a look at the built-in tasks as well. All features: • Use the classic or glass cockpit mode to simulate what you see in a real aircraft • Use the map mode to learn and understand the procedures from a third-person point of view • Choose between VOR and NDB navigation • Use the following, carefully designed instruments: RMI, HSI, EHSI, Directional gyro, DME, Airspeed indicator • Fly your own routes by creating challenging scenarios, using holding patterns and adjusting the wind • Test your knowledge through various built-in tasks • Drag & drop the aircraft or ground station symbols to move them around quickly • Turn the aircraft with 1.5°/s, 3°/s (standard), 6°/s and 9°/s modes, or just simply rotate the compass dial • View your flight path by enabling the aircraft track trail • Simulate winds up to 50 kts • Practice IFR flying procedures by generating random scenarios Download the app to see for yourself whether we can help you learn the essentials of IFR navigation. Try it for free and prepare at home without wasting expensive flight or simulator time.

About

SimuDrone

Practice drone maneuvers and flight modes in a realistic simulation environment. Use your own DJI remote controller to build muscle memory and flying skills without the risk of damage or costly repairs.

Highlights
  • Crash-free learning environment
  • Practice with DJI remote controller
  • Realistic physics simulation
  • Build muscle memory and flying skill
  • Learn complex maneuvers and flight modes
Features
Read full description

*This version is not compatible with DJI Mini 4K remote controller. -Crash-Free Confidence: Learn complex maneuvers and flight modes without ever worrying about damage or expensive repairs. -Practice Prepares Perfect: Use your own DJI remote controller to build muscle memory and true flying skill before leaving the ground. -Realistic Physics, Pure Fun: Enjoy authentic, lifelike drone simulation designed to keep your practice hours engaging and effective.

Screenshots

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator4 screens
SimuDrone4 screens

Verdict

The call

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator and SimuDrone both sit at 3.9 stars, but that hides the real split: 82% of IFR Flight Trainer Simulator's written reviews are positive against 36% of SimuDrone's. SimuDrone's advantage is device support (4 vs 2) and ratings volume (247 vs 76). On price, rating, update cadence and ads 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. IFR Flight Trainer Simulator sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and SimuDrone sells 13 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 3.9 for IFR Flight Trainer Simulator against 4.0 for SimuDrone. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 76 and 247 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 82% of IFR Flight Trainer Simulator's written reviews are positive against 36% of SimuDrone's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 7, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
IFR Flight Trainer Simulator versus SimuDrone: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterIFR Flight Trainer SimulatorSimuDrone
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.9 (76 ratings)4.0 (247 ratings) — better
Positive reviews81.5% of reviews — better35.7% of reviews
Number of ratings76247 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 3 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better
Requires iOS18.614.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size155 MB301 MB
Age rating+44+
DeveloperFlygo-Aviation LtdMustafa Akkuzu

Customer experience

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator

All ratings76 ratings
Positive71.1%
Neutral6.6%
Negative22.4%
Written reviews130 reviews
Positive81.5%
Neutral4.6%
Negative13.8%

SimuDrone

All ratings247 ratings
Positive72.9%
Neutral7.3%
Negative19.8%
Written reviews249 reviews
Positive35.7%
Neutral15.3%
Negative49.0%

User reviews

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator

From 76 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 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

Room to improve

  • 💰 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

SimuDrone

From 247 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🎮 Works with actual DJI controller for realistic practice
  • ✈️ Effective tool for learning drone flying skills
  • 🎯 Good for beginners to practice control techniques
  • 🏃 Responsive controller input and flight mechanics
  • 🎬 Supports multiple flight modes (Cine, Normal, Sport)

Room to improve

  • 💸 Aggressive monetization with coin system
  • 🐛 Frequent controller connection failures
  • 📱 Limited controller compatibility (many DJI models unsupported)
  • 🎨 Basic graphics quality
  • 🔌 Confusing connection instructions and setup

Bugs and requests

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator

Reported bugs

6 issues
  • 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
Show 1 more
  • OBS cannot be changed without paid upgrade

Requested features

8 requests
  • 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
Show 3 more
  • Bearing and course to station relative to VOR1/VOR2
  • Higher difficulty levels for advanced pilots
  • Extended free trial period for proper app evaluation

SimuDrone

Reported bugs

9 issues
  • Controller won't connect to app (multiple controller models affected)
  • App crashes and lockups, especially in city map
  • Flight orientation changes randomly mid-flight
  • Purchased maps/coins disappear after updates
  • Drone selection option disappears after initial setup
Show 4 more
  • Internet connection check fails despite valid connection
  • RC controller connection takes very long time
  • Purchased unlimited coins don't unlock all features
  • Incompatible with DJI RC-N1, RC-N1C, RC-N3, Mini 4K, DJI FPV Motion Controller 3, and DJI C5 controllers

Requested features

13 requests
  • More maps and environments (forest, outdoor scenes)
  • Controller sensitivity adjustment settings
  • Better graphics quality
  • One-time purchase option instead of coin system
  • Ad-supported free play option
Show 8 more
  • Telemetry data display
  • Moving objects to track (cars, etc.)
  • Ability to change drone type after initial selection
  • Flight mode synchronization with controller
  • Skip initial takeoff sequence
  • Custom music playback from phone library
  • Better instructions for earning stars
  • Support for more DJI controller models

In-app purchases

2 purchases

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator

One-time2
  • IFR Simulator Half Price$11.99
  • IFR Simulator Unlock$24.99
13 purchases

SimuDrone

One-time13
  • Buy 30 Coins$0.99
  • Unlock Factory 2$0.99
  • Unlock Settlement$0.99
Show 10 more
  • Unlock Parking$0.99
  • Unlock Industry$0.99
  • Unlock Island$0.99
  • Get 70 Coins$1.99
  • 50 monedas$1.99
  • Unlock 3 Maps$1.99
  • 150 Coins$2.49
  • 500 Coins$2.99
  • Unlimited Coins$3.49
  • Combo Pack$3.99

Questions

Is IFR Flight Trainer Simulator free?
IFR Flight Trainer Simulator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is SimuDrone free?
SimuDrone is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, IFR Flight Trainer Simulator or SimuDrone?
SimuDrone is rated higher. IFR Flight Trainer Simulator averages 3.9 out of 5 from 76 ratings, while SimuDrone averages 4.0 from 247 ratings.
Do IFR Flight Trainer Simulator or SimuDrone have ads?
Neither IFR Flight Trainer Simulator nor SimuDrone shows ads.
Which is updated more often, IFR Flight Trainer Simulator or SimuDrone?
IFR Flight Trainer Simulator ships an update every 3 months, and SimuDrone every 3 months. Most recently, IFR Flight Trainer Simulator was updated on September 7, 2026 and SimuDrone on September 24, 2026.

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