How we assemble an Aviator shortlist
This page is the long version of the aileron routine. The homepage shows the outcome; here we show the weights.
What we weighed
Published App Store US star averages came first. Rating counts stay visible so a 5.0 from seven voices is not treated like a 5.0 from thousands. Genre labels (Action, Strategy), age ratings, size, version strings, and update dates had to be readable on the card. Free with In-App Purchases is noted whenever the store shows it.
What we did not weigh
No public install counter on the App Store card. We did not invent one. We also did not score screenshots for beauty contests, chase influencer clips, or take developer briefings. Privacy labels only appear when the developer provided them — Raiden Jets Fighter still has no App Privacy details, and we say that out loud.
Why three cards
An Aviator evening on this desk needs contrast: one modern vertical shooter, one tower strategy title, one older craft arcade. Adding a fourth without a clear store signal would dilute the aileron.
Re-checks
Facts were checked on 22 October 2026. When stars or versions move, we reopen the live listing before we touch the ranking copy.