Learn how to import a SimBrief flight plan into the Aerosoft CRJ in MSFS, then fix route, procedure and navdata errors in the FMS.
In Microsoft Flight Simulator, generate the route in SimBrief, export it in Aerosoft CRJ .flp format to the CRJ FlightPlans folder, then load the file name through the FMS FPLN page. Add or verify the runway, SID and STAR, inspect every discontinuity, and enter performance data separately.
Which SimBrief file does the Aerosoft CRJ need?
The Aerosoft CRJ FMS reads the dedicated Aerosoft CRJ flight-plan format, normally a file ending in .flp. A standard MSFS .pln file is intended for the simulator's World Map rather than direct loading through the CRJ's ROUTE field.
| File or import | What it controls |
|---|---|
Aerosoft CRJ .flp | The route loaded into the CRJ FMS |
MSFS .pln | The World Map plan and normally the route used by default ATC |
| SimBrief OFP or tablet import | Flight briefing, fuel and operational data; it does not by itself guarantee that the FMS route has loaded |
If the dispatch stage is unfamiliar, use our SimBrief OFP and route-creation walkthrough before exporting the CRJ file.
How do I load the SimBrief route into the CRJ FMS?
- Generate the flight in SimBrief. Select the correct CRJ variant and check the departure, destination, cruise level and route before generating the OFP.
- Export the Aerosoft CRJ format. Choose the Aerosoft CRJ entry in the flight-plan downloads, or configure SimBrief Downloader to send that format to the correct folder. Do not substitute the Microsoft Flight Simulator
.plnexport. - Put the file in the CRJ flight-plan folder. The conventional Windows location is
%USERPROFILE%\Documents\Aerosoft\Digital Aviation\CRJ\FlightPlans. If OneDrive redirects your Documents folder, use the corresponding folder under OneDrive instead. The file does not belong in the Community folder. - Record the route file name. You will enter its base name without
.flp. The exporter commonly combines the origin and destination ICAO codes, such asEGLLLOWI; leaving the generated name unchanged avoids character and naming problems. - Open the FMS FPLN page. With the aircraft powered and the FMS initialised, enter the departure airport in ORIGIN and the arrival airport in DEST.
- Load the stored route. Type the base file name into the scratchpad and select the line key beside ROUTE. Accept the load prompt if your CRJ build displays one, then review the resulting route before pressing EXEC.
- Add or verify the procedures. Use DEP ARR to select the active runway, SID, transition, STAR and approach. SimBrief exports may omit procedures or the FMS may reject them when its navigation database differs from the one used to create the dispatch.
- Inspect the LEGS pages. Check waypoint order, altitude constraints and every discontinuity. Remove a duplicate fix where the procedure and en-route section overlap, but retain a vector discontinuity when the procedure genuinely expects radar vectors.
Why does the CRJ say the route is not found?
A route-not-found message usually means the FMS cannot see the .flp file or the entered name does not match it.
- Wrong export format: confirm that the file ends in
.flp, not.pln,.pdfor a hidden.flp.txtextension. - Wrong Documents folder: Windows and OneDrive can maintain separate Documents trees. Point SimBrief Downloader at the tree containing
Aerosoft\Digital Aviation\CRJ\FlightPlans. - Incorrect route name: enter only the base file name in the ROUTE field. Do not include the folder path or
.flpextension. - File added after loading the aircraft: if the FMS still cannot detect a correctly placed file, reload the aircraft after saving it.
What causes a NOT IN DATABASE message?
NOT IN DATABASE means a fix, airway or procedure in the exported route is absent from the CRJ's installed navigation database. Compare the AIRAC cycle shown on the SimBrief OFP with the cycle reported by the CRJ FMS, then regenerate or amend the affected part of the route using data available to the aircraft.
A navigation-data mismatch also explains missing SIDs, renamed waypoints and airway segments that stop unexpectedly. Never delete waypoints simply to extinguish the message without checking how the remaining legs connect.
Will MSFS ATC follow the imported CRJ route?
Loading an .flp file into the CRJ does not necessarily pass that route to Microsoft Flight Simulator's default ATC. The cockpit FMS and World Map can hold separate flight plans.
For an FMS-managed flight, select the airport and parking position on the World Map, then load the route in the aircraft. If default ATC must recognise the full route, load a matching SimBrief .pln into the World Map as well and ensure its procedures agree with the CRJ; our explanation of the MSFS World Map planning workflow covers that side of the setup.
What must still be entered after importing the route?
The route file is not a complete CRJ setup. Verify the cruise altitude, reserves, fuel, payload, cost index or cruise settings, take-off data, V-speeds and performance pages using the generated OFP and the conditions in the simulator.
A mistake we see constantly is treating a visible magenta line as proof that the aircraft is ready. Before departure, compare the FMS route with the OFP, confirm the active runway and first procedure leg, and check that the route becomes continuous after any expected vector segment.