Best Instrument Flying Apps

4.5(952 ratings)

FreeIn-App Purchases

IFR Trainer Flight Instruments screenshot 1

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Master instrument flying with interactive modules and a built-in simulator. Practice navigation instruments, IFR procedures, and holding patterns. Ideal for student pilots and instructors preparing for instrument ratings.

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator by Flygo-Aviation Ltd

Aviation trainer for pilots

Strong Contender

Instrument Flying Handbook

3.9😐(76 ratings)

FreeIn-App Purchases

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator screenshot 1

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator screenshot 2

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator screenshot 3

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator screenshot 4

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator screenshot 5

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator screenshot 6

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.

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
🔧 Adjustable difficulty levels for all skill levels
📱 Works seamlessly on both iPad and smartphone
💡 Blind practice exercises for skill development
🏆 Helpful for IFR rating preparation and practice
🎪 Engaging cockpit mode for realistic simulation

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
⚙️ Heading indicator sometimes gets stuck
📍 HSI radial tracking appears inaccurate
🚫 Missing common instrument options (fixed-card ADF, LOC mode)
⏰ Turn rate doesn't match real aircraft (1 min vs 2 min standard)
🔍 No feedback on incorrect task execution

fDeck: flight instruments by Darren Yeates

Ad-free cockpit in your pocket

Worth Considering

🗺️ Navigation

4.8😊(329 ratings)

FreeIn-App Purchases

This app provides a comprehensive flight deck with realistic instruments for aviation enthusiasts and pilots. It includes navigation tools, real-time weather, and traffic data, functioning as both a training aid and a supplementary instrument set.

What We Love

👍 Extremely easy to use and navigate
💡 Comprehensive aviation instruments (compass, altimeter, VSI, attitude indicator, ADF, VOR, HSI)
🎯 Useful for training, learning, and practice
✈️ Reliable backup instrument for real flights
🗺️ Integrated map and flight planning features
⚡ Responsive and smooth performance
🌍 Real-time weather data (METARS, TAFS, radar)
💰 Good value for lifetime unlock pricing
🤝 Excellent developer support and responsiveness
🎨 Professional design and presentation
📱 Works well on multiple devices (iPhone, iPad)
🔧 Highly configurable and flexible instrument layouts

Room to Improve

📺 Intrusive ads in free version (full-screen, hard to close)
🔄 Compass and map pointer display inverted on some devices
🗺️ Map loading issues and missing sectional charts
🔌 X-Plane simulator connection glitchy and unreliable
📱 No iPad split-screen support
📊 VSI accuracy issues on some devices
🎯 VOR OBS reverse sensing (displays like back course)
⚠️ Incompatible with some older iPhone models (SE screen format)
🔋 Weather data occasionally inaccurate (pressure readings off)

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Valuable and Handy Reference

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Instrument Procedures Handbook

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Prepare for your instrument rating oral exam with over 445 common questions and answers across 11 topics. Study in a flashcard style with graphical images and track your progress to build confidence for your practical test.

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Wingman Aircraft Instruments

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Instrument Pilot Test Prep

Study Buddy by Sporty's

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Prepare for your FAA Instrument Pilot written test with a comprehensive study tool. It offers three modes: study questions by topic, review using flashcards, and take simulated practice tests. Detailed explanations and progress reports help you track your learning.

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Rod’s IFR Pilot's Handbook

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$49.99

This comprehensive digital handbook guides pilots through the complexities of instrument flying. It simplifies difficult concepts with clear explanations and over 1,000 illustrations, covering everything from basic instruments to advanced GPS approaches and weather avoidance.

Simplified instrument scan techniquesLatest aviation decision-making infoAnalog and glass flight instrument details

Entries and wind corrections

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Master timed holding patterns in aviation with this app. It simplifies complex calculations for instrument students, providing visual aids for joining processes, wind correction angles, and recommended headings. Utilize device GPS for real-time wind data.

Timed holding pattern masteryWind correction angle calculationRecommended headings

🗺️ Navigation

(1)

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Navigator: Instrument Training

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This app simulates instrument flying for pilots. Learn how aircraft instruments react to changes in position and orientation, or test your skills by determining aircraft location based on instrument readings. It's designed for general aviation pilots to practice navigation.

Interactive instrument simulationLearn mode for understanding instrument responseTest mode for location determination

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