The checklists have always been and will remain critical tools for all pilots. In the case of Flight planning, we now have access to digital tools that work around the clock as copilot which can streamline everything from short VFR flights to long IFR flights. They assist in making time management more efficient, improving safety management standards, and ensuring the pilot has the necessary situational awareness. These benefits are available for international jet pilots, student pilots, and everyone in between. In 2025, these are the top flight planning applications.
1. ForeFlight
Platform: IOS
Best For: General aviation, corporate, and military pilots
A leading application since Apple products began ruling the skies, ForeFlight offers unparalleled functionalities such as weather forecasts, Jeppesen charts, FAA briefing and filing, as well as 3D terrain and obstacle view. Moreover, ForeFlight includes real-time situational awareness with synthetic vision, along with comprehensive weight & balance, fuel, and aircraft performance management tools. ForeFlight seamlessly connects with Garmin and Dynon avionics, and even has a dedicated Military Flight Bag edition for serious private and professional pilots. Business and turbine aviation users benefit from deeper planning and performance tools with the Performance Plus tier unlocking additional features.
2. Garmin Pilot
Best For: Pilots equipped with Garmin devices
Pilots with panels such as G1000, G3X, or GTN series Garmin avionics will find Garmin Pilot an all-in-one app particularly useful. It boasts elegant displays of VFR and IFR charts, real-time radar and weather data, and intelligent features like Smart Airspace™ that filter out clutter. It seamlessly extends the cockpit with Garmin hardware. An added benefit, the app’s split-screen viewing lets pilots track charts and approach plates at the same time. This is critical during busy IFR operations.
3. SkyDemon
Platforms:: IOS, Android, Windows
Best For: VFR pilots in Europe
SkyDemon is well-loved by European GA pilots as it tries to solve the headache that is Europe’s airspace. It creates VFR routes while taking into consideration NOTAMs, danger zones, and controlled airspaces. SkyDemon also offers real-time airspace infringement warnings and advanced weather data like wind layers and TAF/METAR data. It has a clean user interface, works offline, and supports chart downloads. If you fly VFR around Europe, SkyDemon offers unmatched ease and accuracy.
4. FltPlan Go
Best For: IFR, turbine, and business pilots in North America
FltPlan Go is the mobile companion to FltPlan.com and delivers surprisingly powerful functionality for a free app. It offers complete route planning, aircraft performance evaluation, and FAA flight plan submission for both VFR and IFR flights. Its weather tools include METARs and TAFs as well as radar overlays, and the app works with several ADS-B units for in-flight data. Its Integration with Garmin equipment and popularity among corporate and charter pilots who rely on its features without subscription fees make it stand out.
5. AvPlan EFB
Platforms: IOS
Best For:: Pilots from Australia and New Zealand
Regarded as one of the best in Australia and New Zealand, AvPlan EFB is a strong contender for the best app for pilots in Australia and New Zealand. It fully complies with CASA requirements and includes direct NAIPS interfacing for flight plan submission and weather briefings. The application features geo-referenced charts with terrain awareness, real-time airspace and radar overlays. It also enables accurate fuel and weight & balance planning, making it useful for not only GA but also turbine aircraft operations. The cloud sync feature allows you to plan on one device and jump to another for the flight.
6. OzRunways
Best For: VFR pilots in Australia
OzRunways is a reliable EFB app designed specifically for Australian pilots. It fully supports CASA charts like ERSA, VTC, VNC and provides comprehensive data on thousands of Australian aerodromes. The app’s SmartBrief system summarizes preflight data weather, NOTAMs, charts, etc into a single, concise overview. It documents user defined airfields with in-flight position reporting and radar overlays via ADS-B, making it ideal for private and training flying across Australia.
7. EasyVFR 4
Platforms: IOS, Android, Windows, macOS
Best For: VFR pilots flying in Europe
EasyVFR 4 by PocketFMS is an elegant application that enhances safety and compliance for pilots flying in European airspace. It offers real-time airspace alerts, integrated NOTAMs and METARs, and simplifies visual navigation planning. Its route validation engine checks against restricted areas and helps ensure compliance with local regulations for flight planning. EasyVFR 4 provides offline access to maps and data which is useful for pilots flying to areas with poor network coverage.
8. FlyGo Air Navigation
Platform: IOS
Best For: VFR pilots and student pilots
FlyGo Air Navigation is a budget-friendly, feature-rich EFB designed for VFR navigation. It offers moving maps, airport databases, terrain awareness, real-time METAR/TAF overlays, and built-in flight instruments—all accessible offline. Its intuitive interface includes route planning tools, airport details, and a global terrain database from 60°N to 57°S. Ideal for training and recreational flying, FlyGo supports iCloud syncing and includes helpful extras like in-app timers and digital RMI displays.
9. iFlightPlanner
Best For: U.S.-based GA pilots and CFIs
Offering a simple and effective approach to flight planning, iFlightPlanner features robust cloud synchronization between its mobile and web versions. The route planning interface is user-friendly and includes drag-and-drop capabilities alongside access to FAA charts and documents. Real-time weather, TFRs, and flight plan filing are available through the app, alongside custom aircraft profile creation. For cross-country instruction and planning, AOPA’s airport directory integration provides additional utility.
10. Flighty
Platform: IOS
Best For: Airline pilots and frequent travelers
Though not an EFB, Flighty stands out with its real-time tracking and scheduling features, making it ideal for airline pilots, jumpseaters, or anyone traveling on repositioning flights. The application fetches FAA flight plan data, ATC reroutes, and delay notifications and displays them in a user-friendly way. It also integrates with your calendar and email to monitor flights and gives advanced notifications on gate changes, taxi times, and weather delays. For flying professionals, Flighty is an efficient travel companion.
Conclusion
These flight planning apps offer diverse configurations tailored to individual preferences and needs. While ForeFlight is the premium solution for IOS users, Garmin Pilot offers similar depth with cross-platform flexibility. For international pilots, North American-centric apps like SkyDemon, AvPlan EFB, and RocketRoute are indispensable.
Pro Tip: Remember to always have a trial period before purchase!
Don’t forget to check out our previous articles about other amazing apps guiding you through your aviation career! (10 Weather Planning Apps for Pilots, 5 Apps for Pilot Education and Exam Preparation)
