Pilot flight planning

Flight planning apps and electronic flight bags, often called EFBs, put charts, airport information, weather, routes and filing in one place on a tablet or computer. For many general aviation pilots, the EFB is the center of every flight, from planning the night before to the moving map in the cockpit.

ForeFlight is the best-known EFB in the US, running on iPad and iPhone. FltPlan.com offers free planning and filing on the web with its FltPlan Go app. SkyDemon is popular for VFR flying in the UK and Europe, with clear airspace warnings in flight. SkyVector is a free website for viewing charts and drawing routes, and AirNav is a long-running directory of airport details such as runways, frequencies, fuel and services.

Choosing an EFB comes down to where you fly, what device you use and which features you need. Check chart coverage for your region, device support, how the app works with portable ADS-B receivers, and if your flight school, club or operator has a standard.

Some apps add AI-style features such as route suggestions or hazard alerts. Those help, but the pilot in command makes the decisions. An EFB supports good planning; it doesn't replace an official briefing, current charts, aircraft documents or the regulations your operation follows.

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5 drone and aviation tools in pilot flight planning

ForeFlight

by ForeFlight (Boeing)

Electronic flight bag for iPad and iPhone with charts, flight planning, weather, filing and in-flight moving maps.

  • Mobile app

FltPlan.com

by FltPlan

Free flight planning and filing service with navlogs, weather and the FltPlan Go app for charts and flight info.

  • Free plan or free tier
  • Mobile app

SkyDemon

VFR flight planning and moving-map navigation app, widely used in the UK and Europe, with airspace warnings in flight.

  • Mobile app

SkyVector

Free web site for viewing aeronautical charts, drawing routes and checking airport and weather information.

  • Free plan or free tier

AirNav

Airport directory with runway, frequency, fuel and service details for airports and FBOs.

  • Free plan or free tier

Before you rely on one app in flight, keep a backup, such as a second device or paper charts, and make sure data is current before each trip.

Airport information is often what pilots check most. Runway lengths, frequencies, fuel availability, fees and services change, so keep databases current and call ahead for anything that affects the flight, such as fuel at a small field or after-hours access.

Many pilots use more than one tool: an EFB for the flight itself, a website such as SkyVector for a quick look at a route, and a directory such as AirNav for airport details. That is fine, as long as everything used in flight is current.

Cost is worth a look too. EFB subscriptions vary by plan and by the charts you need, and adding regions, synthetic vision or flight department features raises the price. Free tools cover a lot for occasional flying, while pilots who fly often usually find a paid EFB saves time on every trip. Ask your instructor or club what they use, since shared tools make training and debriefs easier.

Questions about pilot flight planning

What is an electronic flight bag?

An EFB is software, usually on a tablet, that replaces the paper charts and documents pilots used to carry. Most include charts, airport data, weather, planning and an in-flight moving map.

Is there a free flight planning tool?

FltPlan.com offers free planning and filing, and SkyVector is a free website for charts and routes. Paid EFBs add features such as synthetic vision, detailed performance planning and more.

Does ForeFlight work on Android?

ForeFlight runs on Apple devices. Pilots who use Android tend to choose other EFBs. Check each app's current device support before you buy hardware.

Do I still need an official weather briefing if I use an EFB?

Yes. Many EFBs can request an official briefing for you, but using the app's weather display alone is not the same thing. Follow the briefing requirements for your flight.

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