Compare flight simulator logbook software for MSFS, X-Plane, FSX, Prepar3D and DCS, with compatibility, console limits and recording fixes.
Flight simulator logbook software includes Volanta for automatic cross-simulator tracking, Little Navmap for local planning and detailed log entries, Sky Dolly for Microsoft Flight Simulator recording and replay, and FS Logbook for FSX or Prepar3D. Built-in logbooks and manual spreadsheets remain the most reliable choices on consoles or unsupported simulators.
Which logbook software supports my simulator?
Compatibility is determined by the connection method, not simply by whether the simulator runs on the same computer. Desktop loggers commonly use SimConnect with Microsoft simulators and Prepar3D, while X-Plane generally requires a plugin.
| Software | Best suited to | Typical simulator support | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volanta | Automatic tracking, maps and a combined flight history | Supported MSFS, X-Plane, FSX and Prepar3D releases on desktop | Requires its connector and online service |
| Little Navmap | Flight planning plus a detailed local logbook | MSFS, X-Plane, FSX and Prepar3D | Initial simulator database and connection setup takes more work |
| Sky Dolly | Recording, replay and analysing MSFS flights | Supported Microsoft Flight Simulator releases on Windows | Replay is its main strength; it is not a universal multi-simulator logbook |
| FS Logbook | A lightweight log for older Microsoft-based simulators | FSX and Prepar3D | Designed around a legacy simulator workflow |
| Built-in logbook | Simple hours, landings and career statistics | The simulator that provides it, including MSFS, X-Plane and DCS | Limited export, editing and reporting; DCS focuses more on pilot statistics than route history |
| Spreadsheet or training log | Custom training, virtual-airline or cross-platform records | Any flight simulator | Flights normally require manual entry |
Our comparison of simulator logbook options examines the differences in tracking, replay, planning and built-in records in more detail.
Logbooks do not always calculate hours identically. One may record block time from engine start to shutdown, while another records only airborne time. Touch-and-go landings, pauses, accelerated simulation and slewing may also be counted differently, so choose one logbook as your authoritative record.
Which flight simulator logbook should I choose?
Choose according to how much automation, planning and control over the data you need.
- For automatic multi-simulator tracking: Volanta is the straightforward choice when its connector supports your desktop simulator. Our Volanta connection and setup walkthrough explains how automatic recording works.
- For local records and flight planning: Little Navmap combines route planning, live aircraft tracking and logbook management without making the logbook a separate workflow. See our Little Navmap setup and flight-recording guide for the simulator connection process.
- For MSFS replay analysis: use Sky Dolly when reviewing approaches, landings or formation flights matters more than maintaining one record across several simulators.
- For FSX or Prepar3D: a dedicated utility can be simpler than a larger planning suite. Our library provides a lightweight FSX and Prepar3D logbook utility.
- For virtual-airline flying: use the airline's required ACARS logger as the authoritative source. A personal logbook can run alongside it, but importing the same flight later may create duplicates.
- For consoles or occasional flying: the simulator's built-in logbook is usually sufficient, with a spreadsheet used for any records that must be portable.
Can one logbook track several flight simulators?
Yes, Volanta and Little Navmap can consolidate flights from several supported desktop simulators, but every simulator needs the correct connector or plugin. Support for one edition does not guarantee support for another, so check the selected simulator profile after an update or reinstall.
Aircraft names can fragment the history. For example, different add-ons may identify the same aircraft type using separate internal names. Standardise aircraft labels, pilot identity, units and time calculation rules before importing an old logbook.
Why was my flight not recorded?
A missing flight usually means the logger never established a live connection or its flight-completion trigger was not reached.
- Confirm the simulator profile: make sure the logger is connected to the simulator actually running, rather than an old FSX, Prepar3D or X-Plane installation.
- Check the connector: verify that the required SimConnect component or X-Plane plugin is installed, enabled and reporting a connected aircraft.
- Start before departure: launch the logger before pushback or engine start. Some applications will not reconstruct a flight started after take-off.
- Finish the flight properly: park, set the parking brake and shut down as required by the logger. Closing the simulator immediately after landing can leave the entry unfinished.
- Inspect filters and duplicates: an entry may be hidden by date, pilot or simulator filters, while importing records twice can produce apparently conflicting flights.
Local firewall rules, a blocked plugin and mismatched Windows privilege levels can also prevent communication. Test with a short take-off, circuit, landing and shutdown before relying on a new setup for a long flight.
Do external logbooks work on Xbox or PlayStation?
Desktop companion logbooks usually cannot connect directly to a console because their connector cannot be installed there. For MSFS 2020 on Xbox, or MSFS 2024 on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5, use the built-in logbook unless a service explicitly provides account-based synchronisation or manual entry.
PC compatibility must not be read as console compatibility, even when the simulator carries the same name. A networked desktop application still needs a connection method exposed by the console version.
How should I protect my simulator logbook?
Export records periodically and back up the logbook database while its application is closed. Built-in simulator records are convenient, but they should not be the only copy of training hours or a long-running virtual career.
Prefer software that exports a common format such as CSV when portability matters. Do not place a live SQLite database inside a general cloud-synchronisation folder unless the logbook explicitly supports that arrangement; conflicting copies can create duplicates or database corruption.