Comparison

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator vs FAA Private Pilot Test Pro

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

FAA Private Pilot Test Pro

Features
Read full description

Ready to take to the skies and earn your wings? With FAA Private Pilot Test Pro, you'll be cruising through your FAA Private Pilot exam prep like a pro. This app is your all-in-one flight plan to ace the exam and soar above the competition. Key Features to Help You Fly High: Full-Throttle Study Material: Master every aspect of the FAA Private Pilot exam, from airspace rules and aerodynamics to navigation and weather patterns. We’ve got you covered from takeoff to landing. Tough-as-Nails Practice Questions: Think you’re ready? Put your knowledge to the test with questions that are as challenging as the real deal. We don’t go easy on you—because the skies won’t either. Break-it-Down Explanations: We don’t just tell you what’s right—we break it down so you know why it’s right. Complex aviation topics become crystal clear, helping you feel confident and ready to fly solo. Track Your Flight Path: Keep tabs on your progress with real-time tracking. Find out where you’re flying smooth and where you need to sharpen your skills before test day. Study On-the-Go: No Wi-Fi? No problem. Study anytime, anywhere, even if you're cruising 30,000 feet in the air—or just chilling at home. Strap in, captain! With FAA Private Pilot Test Pro, you’re not just preparing for an exam—you’re gearing up for a lifelong adventure. It’s time to earn those wings and conquer the sky! --- Auto-renewable subscriptions are available from the App Store for FAA Private Pilot Test Pro. • Payment will be charged to your iTunes account at confirmation of purchase and will automatically renew (at the duration/price selected) unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hrs before the end of the current period. • Account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period • Current subscription may not be cancelled during the active subscription period; however, you can manage your subscription and/or turn off auto-renewal by visiting your iTunes Account Settings after purchase. Terms of Use: https://faa.hubtests.com/terms Privacy Policy: https://faa.hubtests.com/privacy

Screenshots

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator4 screens
FAA Private Pilot Test Pro4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: FAA Private Pilot Test Pro at monthly against IFR Flight Trainer Simulator's every 3 months. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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 FAA Private Pilot Test Pro sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator ships an update every 3 months, FAA Private Pilot Test Pro monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 5, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
IFR Flight Trainer Simulator versus FAA Private Pilot Test Pro: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterIFR Flight Trainer SimulatorFAA Private Pilot Test Pro
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.9 (76 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews81.5% of reviews—
Number of ratings76 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsMonthly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS18.617.2 — better
Further details — not scored
Size155 MB9 MB
Age rating+44+
DeveloperFlygo-Aviation LtdCargo Teleport Inc

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

FAA Private Pilot Test Pro

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

2 purchases

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator

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

FAA Private Pilot Test Pro

Subscriptions1
  • Premium monthly subscription$8.991 Month
One-time1
  • Lifetime version$19.99

Questions

Is IFR Flight Trainer Simulator free?
IFR Flight Trainer Simulator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is FAA Private Pilot Test Pro free?
FAA Private Pilot Test Pro is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do IFR Flight Trainer Simulator or FAA Private Pilot Test Pro have ads?
Neither IFR Flight Trainer Simulator nor FAA Private Pilot Test Pro shows ads.
Which is updated more often, IFR Flight Trainer Simulator or FAA Private Pilot Test Pro?
IFR Flight Trainer Simulator ships an update every 3 months, and FAA Private Pilot Test Pro monthly. Most recently, IFR Flight Trainer Simulator was updated on October 26, 2026 and FAA Private Pilot Test Pro on October 5, 2026.

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