Becoming a pilot is as much about mastering theory as it is about developing hands-on flying skills. From passing the FAA written exams to preparing for checkrides and staying current with ever-evolving regulations, aviation students and professionals alike rely heavily on digital tools to supplement their learning. Whether you’re a student pilot studying for your Private Pilot License (PPL) or a seasoned flyer pursuing your ATP, here are 5 of the best mobile applications for pilot education and exam prep—each offering robust features, intuitive interfaces, and trusted resources.
Sporty’s Pilot Training
Best For: License candidates from outside and candidates looking to integrate EASA licenses.
Sporty’s Pilot Training is one of the training applications that provides the most comprehensive training in aviation education. It provides full training modules for Private, Instrument, Commercial certifications, and even drones. Every course comes with HD videos, thousands of interactive test prep quizzes, and FAA test prep. One of the best features is the progress sync so that students can learn from their iPhone, iPad, or a desktop. They also included checkride prep, as well as real FAA knowledge tests for simulated practice.
FlyGo IFR Trainer – All-in-1
Platform: IOS
Best for: IFR students, rusty instrument pilots, and those preparing for their instrument checkride or IPC.
FlyGo IFR Trainer combines multiple tools into a single app to help you master IFR navigation and radio communication. It includes simulations for holding patterns, intercepting radials, VOR/DME procedures, and more. It’s particularly helpful for students preparing for IFR checkrides or instrument currency reviews. What sets it apart is the depth of customization and clarity in its teaching tools. Users can input custom wind conditions, headings, and speeds to simulate true-to-life enroute navigation and approach segments.
Prepware General
Platform: Android
Best for: Students and mechanics utilizing ASA materials who wish to integrate textbooks and software.
Provided by ASA (Aviation Supplies & Academics), Prepware is yet another comprehensive exam prep application that features content as broad as Sport Pilot, AMT, and ATP. It offers answer explanations, performance graphs, and synchronization across different platforms. The application is built on ASA’s legacy in aviation education and it is tailored to students utilizing ASA textbooks as it provides integrated study tools.
AviationExam
Best For: License candidates from outside and candidates looking to integrate EASA licenses.
Its popularity is surging in America, but the application was widely used in Europe. AviationExam, designed with EASA and ICAO based licensure examinations’ users in mind, provides unparalleled service. Custom quizzes organized by topic and keyword, a vast question bank, constant updates, exhaustive analytics, and pre-created guides add immeasurable value to the application. The application is aimed at pilots wishing to prepare internationally, or wish to reinforce their knowledge of FAA material through International standards.
Pilot Institute
Best for: Those who wish to have structured video lessons organized in modules and prefer having lifetime access.
Pilot Institute provides video-based training for PPL, drone certification (Part 107), and instrument ratings. The app contains chapter-based video courses, reviews of quizzes, and lifetime availability of purchased materials. They also offer FAA practice tests and certificates of completion. A bonus is their community support, which includes instructor access for additional questions.
Final Thoughts
We live in an age where digital tools are just as essential as sectional charts. Having a good education and exam prep app designed specifically for students can truly improve the experience with transitioning into a certified pilot. These apps go beyond mere FAA exam preparation—they transform you into a safer, more knowledgeable aviator.
Don’t forget to check out our seperate articles about other amazing apps guiding you through your aviation career! (The 10 Best Flight Planning Apps for Pilots in 2025, 10 Weather Planning Apps for Pilots)
