# IFR Flight Trainer Simulator vs IFR Flight Simulator

The clearest difference is update cadence: IFR Flight Simulator at weekly against IFR Flight Trainer Simulator's every 3 months. IFR Flight Simulator also leads on rating (4.3 vs 3.9) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 18.6). IFR Flight Trainer Simulator's advantage is review sentiment (82% vs 64%). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. IFR Flight Trainer Simulator sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and IFR Flight Simulator sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

IFR Flight Simulator holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 3.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 76 and 103 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 82% of IFR Flight Trainer Simulator's written reviews are positive against 64% of IFR Flight Simulator'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, IFR Flight Simulator weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 7, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | IFR Flight Trainer Simulator | IFR Flight Simulator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.9 (76 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ifr-flight-trainer-simulator/id901798935/reviews) | **[4.3 (103 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ifr-flight-simulator/id6444241915/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 76 | **103** |
| Positive reviews | **81.5% of reviews** | 63.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 155 MB | 116 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | **15.6** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | +4 | 4+ |
| Developer | [Flygo-Aviation Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/550770776) | [Tobias Maihoff](https://appshunter.io/developer/1653306504) |

## 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


### IFR Flight Simulator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ifr-flight-simulator/id6444241915)

This aviation simulator helps pilots master IFR procedures and prepare for instrument ratings. Practice holdings, intercepts, and approaches with realistic flight simulation and navigation tools on your phone. Ideal for student and experienced pilots seeking convenient, effective training.

**Highlights:** Realistic aviation training, Worldwide flight navigation database, Comprehensive training modes, Real-time flight simulator, Integrated autopilot, Optimal holding entry path overlay

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full Access | $9.99 | per month |
| Full Access | $19.99 | per 3 months |
| Full Access | $19.99 | per 3 months |
| Full Access | $59.99 | per year |
| SALE % Pro \| One-Time Purchase | $49.99 | one-time |
| SALE % Pro \| One-Time Purchase | $84.99 | one-time |
| Pro Access \| One-Time Purchase | $169.99 | 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 IFR Flight Simulator free?

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

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

IFR Flight Simulator is rated higher. IFR Flight Trainer Simulator averages 3.9 out of 5 from 76 ratings, while IFR Flight Simulator averages 4.3 from 103 ratings.

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

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

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

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator ships an update every 3 months, and IFR Flight Simulator weekly. Most recently, IFR Flight Trainer Simulator was updated on September 7, 2026 and IFR Flight Simulator on September 21, 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.*