MD500D/E vs FAA Academy
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
MD500D/E
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Gyronimo Performance Pad Pro MD500D/E The ultimate flight computer for the MD500D and MD500 E with C20B or C20R2 engines. For iPad (Retina) and iPad Mini. - All Graphics optimized for Retina Screens. This is the standard version, please contact us for customized EMS or Police versions. ****NEW: ceiling computation for IGE and OGE**** ****NEW: Removable doors and aux tank option**** ****NOW INCLUDES ENGINE POWER CHECK for C20B and C20R2**** Features: - WEIGHT & BALANCE - LOAD MANIFEST with ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE - LOAD MANIFEST converted to .pdf document. - PERFORMANCE PLANNING - OGE, IGE - CUSTOM WEIGHT SLIDERS (enter your own equipment, cameras, heli baskets etc) - Graphical E6B for quick distance computations - Engine Power Check - Switchable engines (C20B / C20R2) This Performance Pad Pro is a flight computer customized for the MD500D and E helicopter. Weight & Balance and important performance figures as found in the flight manual will be calculated in just seconds. We recommend the Pad for professional pilots, however, it is also a great tool for flight students who want to become familiar with the complex performance calculations of turbine helicopters. A professional Load Manifest will be computed and sent to your email address. THE PILOT CAN SIGN THE LOAD MANIFEST on the iPad. Confirm your calculations by checking the graphical displays. - Set up you own helicopter data (Basic Empty Weight, Mission Equipment etc) - Load and save unlimited flights and helicopter setups - Send data to your email - Check OGE ceiling on a new designed graphical display The Pad does all the complex calculations for you, however, it is very easy to use. Set Pressure Altitude and OAT via sliders and the following will be computed in real time: - In Ground Effect (IGE) max. Weight - Out Of Ground Effect (OGE) max. Weight **** All results are graphically displayed using the GRAPHS from the FLIGHT MANUAL. Contact us for a custom version (EMS, POLICE) or extensions. DISCLAIMER: The author disclaims any liability for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential losses or damages in connection with your access to or use of this software. The information contained in this software is for general information purposes only. For performance data and operating limitations for any specific flight mission, reference must be made to the approved Flight Manual.
FAA Academy
This app provides essential information for navigating the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center. Find housing, shuttle routes, dining options, campus maps, and weather alerts. Access course materials and bookstore information.
- Housing options
- Shuttle route information
- Dining details
- Campus maps
- Weather alerts
- Course materials access
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We can help you navigate your learning experience with the FAA Academy App. WHERE TO STAY? The Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center (MMAC) is conveniently located in the heart of Oklahoma City. We provided a list of nearby housing options to suit your every need. NEED A RIDE? Within the Student Services tab is a detailed list of available shuttle routes to and from campus. HUNGRY? Did you know food is available within the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center (MMAC)? Information including, location, hours of operation, menu website and phone number is at your fingertips. LOST? Use the map feature to help find where you are supposed to be. WE’VE GOT YOUR RESOURCES! Make your way over to Student Services and the bookstore for course materials, apparel and even souvenirs for your family. WEATHER AWARE! If inclement weather is in the area, we have the information to keep you covered. You will find the Tornado or Snow and Blizzard information you need in the MMAC Info tab. These are just a few of the many great options found within the FAA Academy App. Download today and get the resources you need!
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: FAA Academy at Free against MD500D/E's $49.99. MD500D/E's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 7 months) and iOS requirement (9.1 vs 17.6). On 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
FAA Academy is free to download; MD500D/E costs $49.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
MD500D/E ships an update every 2 months, FAA Academy every 7 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | MD500D/E | FAA Academy |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $49.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | — | 4.3 (6 ratings) — better |
| Number of ratings | — | 6 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months — better | Every 7 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Devices | iPad | iPhone, iPad — better |
| Requires iOS | 9.1 — better | 17.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 22 MB | 6 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Gyronimo, LLC | Federal Aviation Administration |
In-app purchases
MD500D/E
No in-app purchases
FAA Academy
No in-app purchases





