The 8 Best Flight Simulators for Your iPhone

Microsoft Flight Simulator is the best flight simulation game ever. However, it is only playable on Windows PC or Xbox. If you haven’t either, you’re missing something. Fortunately, the app store has a wide range of flight simulators that can provide a decent experience for aviation enthusiasts.

While most of these games don’t compete with Microsoft’s immersive experience, they provide an enjoyable experience exploring the skies, improving your piloting skills, and competing online with other players.

1. Airline Commander: The Flight Game

This is the most comprehensive flight simulation game on iPhone. Airline Commander allows you to create an aircraft fleet that includes a variety of commercial aircraft. Dozens of taxi routes open different routes to airports in different parts of the world. You also have maps, satellites, speed cameras and other navigation features for each region or airport.

There are plenty of missions and challenges to complete, all complete with immersive weather conditions with day and night cycles. The flight system is designed for beginners, but if you’re up for the challenge, you can fine-tune the controls. Finally, the game also allows you to connect a gamepad to the iPhone.

Download: Airline Commander: Flight Simulator (Free, in-app purchases)

2. Infinite Flight Simulator

Here’s another game that surprisingly offers a complete flight experience on the iPhone. It offers a more diverse fleet of aircraft, from commercial aircraft to military aircraft. There are many areas to explore with satellite images, topographies and accurate maps for all roads and taxiways.

You can customize day/night cycles and weather conditions, and the game has an easy-to-use flight planning system with proper navigation assistance. Each aircraft behaves differently, so you must adjust accordingly. The only reason it’s not our top pick is because some features like multiplayer are locked behind the paid version.

Download: Infinite Flight Simulator (Free, subscription available)

3. X-Plane Flight Simulator

The X-Plane series of games has always been a close rival to Microsoft’s Flight Simulator franchise. Surprisingly, the mobile version of X-Plane is quite realistic and the flight experience is enjoyable and challenging. It starts with a few tutorials that cover the basics like takeoff, landing, taxi patterns and cockpit controls.

You can also switch to multiplayer mode and share the world with other pilots. Cockpits are fully interactive and every button, gauge, screen and switch has a purpose. The game also features combat missions and emergency scenarios. Although it is a bit more specialized game due to its steep learning curve, it is one of the best mobile games to play offline.

Download: X-Plane Flight Simulator (Free, in-app purchases)

4.Turboprop Flight Simulator

As the name suggests, this app offers a different style of flight simulation. Instead of commercial planes, you can fly modern propeller planes of various styles. These include tactical cargo, coast guard and special operations aircraft. It also offers regional aircraft inspired by the ATR 42 and ATR 72.

It offers practice missions that teach you the basics, but goes deeper than just the basic tutorial. Between these missions, you can perform various tasks that allow you to improve your piloting skills. Also, the free flight mode allows you to explore the world without limits. This is what makes this game a surprisingly enjoyable sandbox experience.

Download: Turboprop Flight Simulator (Free)

5. Advanced Flight Simulator

If you have an older iPhone and don’t care too much about graphics, this might be the game for you. Sure, it’s not one of the prettiest mobile games out there, but it scores a lot of points in terms of fun. Also, the free version includes a wide range of aircraft, from the A320 to the B787 Dreamliner.

The game’s physics and aerodynamics are solid, and terrain controls like steering, braking, and thrusting are also satisfying. When it comes to flight controls, the learning curve isn’t as steep as other games on this list. However, you can fly to Frankfurt, Athens, Gatwick, LaGuardia, etc. you can access many places like

Download: Flight Simulator Advanced (Free, in-app purchases)

6.Flight Simulator 2019

As the name suggests, it has been around since 2019 but is updated frequently. The latest update is in September 2022, which adds performance improvements, new planes, and various UI/UX improvements. As for the game itself, it offers more of a free-flight experience than a more rigid gameplay simulation style.

Fortunately, it worked out pretty well for the developers. A beautiful mission-filled open world and access to a variety of aircraft such as cargo planes and seaplanes make this game stand out from the rest. While not the deepest simulation experience, it’s an enjoyable game all the way through.

Download: Flight Simulator 2019 (Free, in-app purchases)

7. Flight Pilot Simulator 3D!

If you’re looking for a more arcade-like experience, this is probably the best you’ll find on the App Store. You’ll feel closer to Tom Cruise in Top Gun than Tom Hanks in Sully. Missions focus more on reflexes and quick maneuvers, and the wide open map is not only fun to explore, but offers plenty of challenges to overcome.

The game features emergency scenarios, rescue missions, hard landings, races, and more. All these missions are fun, challenging and totally addictive. While not the simulation game that some are looking for, it is most enjoyable for the casual viewer.

Download: Flight Simulator 3D! (Free, in-app purchases)

8. Extreme descents

Extreme Landings focuses on mastering the art instead of trying to excel at it all. The game puts your piloting skills to the test by placing you in the cockpit of an airline in critical flight condition. It is up to you to overcome the emergency and land the plane safely.

The game offers 36 missions inspired by real incidents of flight malfunction. It also features hundreds of challenges, global navigation, and dozens of airport replicas. The experience is stimulating and can be a bit overwhelming at times. Of course, the learning curve is a little steep, but once you get the hang of it, it’s great.

Download: Extreme descents (Free, in-app purchases)

Conquer the skies with these flight simulators for iPhone

We were surprised by the variety of flight simulators available on the App Store. Some prefer to focus on realistic looks, while others offer a more arcade-like experience in an open world. Each game is one of a kind, making this selection incredibly diverse.

For those who prefer a simulation experience on land, you can go for driving simulators. Again, the App Store has a diverse list of games to suit different play styles.