C172 Performance is a free, open-source flight planning utility for Cessna 172 and 150 pilots on iOS and Android.
The App DNA
What makes this app unique?
Pilots hire this tool to replace manual table interpolation, saving time during pre-flight planning sessions.
For Pilots and aviation students operating Cessna 172 and 150 aircraft.
What does it look like?
Key features
Computes takeoff, landing, climb, cruise, and emergency metrics.
Provides visual and mathematical assistance for holding pattern execution.
Evaluates flight variables to assist in pre-flight safety assessments.
How much does it cost?
The app operates as a non-commercial, open-source project with no monetization mechanisms.
Velocity
Maintenance developmentperformanceShow more...
With only two releases identified in the recent window, the app maintains a maintenance-level velocity of approximately 0.15 releases per week. Development is currently focused exclusively on technical stability and data accuracy, specifically addressing engine-related bugs and airport database maintenance. There is no evidence of new feature development or live operations. The release cadence has remained stable, reflecting a focus on long-term utility rather than iterative feature expansion.
Who built it?
POH Performance L.L.C.
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C310 PerformanceUser Sentiment
What do users think recently?
Recent user voice shows a thrilled sentiment. Users appreciate weight and balance calculation tools significantly reduce time spent interpolating manual tables before flight and intuitive interface design allows for quick navigation without consuming excessive storage space on mobile devices.
How are ratings & reviews evolving?
What users say, by theme
- Weight and balance calculation tools significantly reduce time spent interpolating manual tables before flight
- Intuitive interface design allows for quick navigation without consuming excessive storage space on mobile devices
- Checklist functionality provides clear visual feedback by turning tasks green upon successful completion of steps
- Users report the application lacks a native exit function, forcing manual termination via the operating system
45 of 45 recent reviews analyzed · high confidence · Thrilled overall
Read the full review analysisUnlock 2 more frustration themes and 2 user requests, each backed by review evidence.
Access the full report for freeCompetition
Competitive landscape for C172 Performance
How's the Utilities market?
C172 Performance maintains a 4.90-star rating across 228 total ratings, positioning it as a high-utility niche tool [1, 2]. The lack of commercial monetization distinguishes it from broader aviation suites, though it limits the database coverage necessary for professional-grade flight planning.
Read the market outlookThe rivals identified
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Key takeaways for C172 Performance
Where is it heading?
The aviation utility market is consolidating around commercial suites that offer comprehensive, real-time database updates, leaving niche open-source tools like C172 Performance exposed. Without a shift toward a sustainable revenue model to fund database expansion, the app will likely remain a secondary tool for hobbyists rather than a primary flight planning resource.
- The app remains in a maintenance phase, shipping bug fixes and database updates at a cadence of approximately one release every 5-6 weeks.
- Inconsistent airport database coverage creates frustration, which limits the app's utility for pilots flying outside of the current database scope.
The SWOT
- Open-source model eliminates monetization friction
- Small storage footprint enables quick utility access
- Color-coded checklist logic reduces pilot cognitive load
- Expand aircraft library to include Cherokee and Beechcraft models
- Implement dark mode for night flight planning
Next best moves
Ship native exit function because it is a top-reported complaint → reduce user suspicion
+ 1 more prioritized moveThe counter-intuitive read
The app's lack of monetization is its primary barrier to growth…
Read the full takeSince the last report: The app's competitive positioning has shifted toward a more defensive stance, prioritizing core UX fixes over new feature development in response to market consolidation.
Bottom line
C172 Performance provides high-value utility through its open-source model, but the lack of basic UX features and database gaps limits its professional reliability, so the team should prioritize UX hygiene over new aircraft models.
Unlock 3 critical frictions, 2 market threats, 1 more prioritized move and the analyst’s take.
Access the full report for freeSources
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