Find the best flight planning app for pilots and simmers, with clear picks for IFR, VFR, Android, iPad and desktop flight simulators.
There is no universal best flight planning app: for real-world pilots, ForeFlight is the strongest all-round choice in supported regions if they use Apple devices, while Garmin Pilot is the better Android option. For flight simulation, Little Navmap is our best free desktop planner; Navigraph Charts is better for airline procedures and integrated charts.
Which flight planning app should pilots choose?
Choose according to your region, type of flying, device and required aviation data rather than the longest feature list.
| Application | Best for | Why choose it | Main caveat |
|---|---|---|---|
| ForeFlight | Real-world VFR and IFR planning on iPhone or iPad | Strong planning, charts, briefings and electronic flight bag features | No Android version; coverage and features vary by region and subscription |
| Garmin Pilot | Android users and Garmin-oriented cockpits | Familiar Garmin presentation and useful avionics integration | Features and data coverage are not identical across devices or regions |
| SkyDemon | VFR touring in the UK and Europe | Clear presentation of airspace, weather, NOTAMs and route information | Less appropriate when airline-style IFR planning is the main requirement |
| Little Navmap | Free desktop flight-simulator planning | Moving map, airport data, procedures and exports for several simulators | Not for real navigation; simulator and navigation databases must be matched |
| Navigraph Charts with SimBrief | Airliner flight simulation | Dispatch-style plans, charts and an integrated navigation-data workflow | The complete chart and navigation-data service requires a subscription and is for simulation only |
For a private pilot using an iPad in a supported region, we would start with ForeFlight and compare its coverage with Garmin Pilot. UK and European VFR pilots should also consider SkyDemon, especially when readable airspace and touring information matter more than airline dispatch features.
Commercial pilots may not have a free choice. The operator's electronic flight bag policy, standard operating procedures and aviation authority requirements determine which software and data sources may be used.
Checks that matter more than popularity
- Regional coverage: confirm that charts, airspace, weather, NOTAMs and flight-plan filing are supported in every country where you fly. A globally recognised app can still have limited functions in a particular region.
- VFR or IFR: VFR pilots need uncluttered airspace, terrain and diversion information. IFR pilots need dependable procedures, airway routing, alternates and briefing support.
- Offline access: charts and route data should remain available without mobile reception. Download them before departure and check that the correct region is stored.
- Aircraft performance: generic profiles can produce misleading fuel, range and time estimates. Real flights must use the applicable POH, AFM or operator performance data.
- Cockpit integration: check compatibility with the GPS, avionics, traffic receiver or panel equipment actually installed. Do not buy an app solely because it supports hardware you do not use.
What is best for MSFS, X-Plane, FSX and Prepar3D?
For general desktop flight simulation, Little Navmap offers the best balance of cost, route control, moving-map functions and simulator support. Our Little Navmap planning and export walkthrough explains its airport database, procedures, aircraft profiles and simulator connection.
An external planner is unnecessary for every flight. A short VFR trip can be prepared through MSFS's integrated route-planning workflow, while our guide to creating and loading X-Plane 12 flight plans covers native GPS entry and imported .fms routes.
For simulated airline operations, Navigraph Charts and SimBrief provide a more convincing dispatch workflow. They are the stronger choice when you need airline routing, chart access, fuel planning and navigation data aligned with a complex aircraft's FMS. Keep the planner, simulator and aircraft on matching navigation-data cycles wherever possible.
Can simulator planning software be used for a real flight?
No. Little Navmap, Navigraph, SimBrief and simulator flight-plan exports must be treated as simulation or training tools, not as authorised sources for real-world navigation.
A route can look plausible while containing obsolete procedures, unsuitable altitudes or incomplete weather and NOTAM information. For an actual flight, verify the route using accepted current charts and briefing sources, then check fuel, mass and balance, performance, alternates and filing requirements under the rules that apply to the operation.
Why does an imported flight plan fail?
Most imported simulator flight plans fail because the planner, simulator and aircraft do not share the same file format, navigation database or procedure selections.
- Match the navigation data. Different AIRAC cycles can produce missing waypoints, rejected airways and procedures that do not join the en-route section.
- Export for the exact target. A generic MSFS
.plnroute will not necessarily load into a third-party FMS, and an X-Plane.fmsfile serves a different format. Confirm the aircraft's supported import method and folder. - Avoid adding procedures twice. Selecting a SID or STAR in both the external planner and the simulator's world map can create duplicate legs or route discontinuities.
- Inspect the route in the cockpit. Check the runway, departure, arrival, approach, altitude constraints and every discontinuity. Never clear a discontinuity until the intended connection makes sense.
- Recalculate performance separately. Importing a route does not automatically complete take-off data, reserves, payload, cost index or landing calculations.
Complex airliners usually need further cockpit setup even after a successful import. Our 737 FMC route-programming guide covers the route, procedures, performance pages and common discontinuity errors.