Pilot Created ChairFly App for Instrument Practice
The new iPad application helps pilots maintain scan proficiency through virtual cockpit and instrument training.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Air Travel
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Connor Van Siclen has launched the ChairFly iPad app, designed to assist pilots in maintaining instrument scan proficiency. The software provides various practice scenarios, including VOR holds and ILS approaches, to help students refine their skills.
Why it matters
Maintaining instrument proficiency is a critical requirement for safety in aviation, but consistent practice can be logistically challenging for many pilots. This app aims to provide a readily accessible tool for pilots to practice their scans outside of the cockpit.
ChairFly offers a free six-pack panel view, while the glass cockpit display requires a $6.99 monthly subscription. Users can access a three-day free trial to test the advanced features before committing to the paid tier.
The players
Connor Van Siclen
He is the creator of the ChairFly app and works as a pilot based at Ramona Airport in California.
The details
The app features both a six-pack panel and a glass cockpit display to simulate different flight environments. It was developed by Connor Van Siclen, who works at Ramona Airport, and underwent beta testing with certified flight instructors to ensure its effectiveness.
Timeline
The ChairFly app officially launched on the Apple App Store on October 2, 2026.
Travel Outlook
This app follows a pattern set by the traditional instrument training ground simulator by moving specialized flight proficiency tools onto portable consumer hardware. It signals a shift toward mobile-first training solutions that provide pilots with flexible options beyond the physical hangar.
Pilots can download the app from the Apple App Store to supplement their regular flight training regimen. Users should utilize the three-day free trial to determine if the glass cockpit features meet their specific instrument proficiency needs before subscribing.
The takeaway
Digital tools allow pilots to maintain scan discipline through simulated scenarios that do not require an actual aircraft. Consistent use of these apps can bridge the gap between formal lessons and real-world cockpit performance.
Further reading
For more information on the current landscape of pilot training, visit Air Travel.
More information
You can find the app on the Apple App Store download page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by General Aviation News.
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