ForeFlight Buying Guide: The Only Guide You Need in 2024

ForeFlight has become a household name among pilots, from hobbyists to commercial airline professionals. But with so many features and subscription options, how do you decide which plan best suits your needs? Let’s break it down step by step, using a reverse approach to help you understand which purchase makes the most sense for you. Whether you're a VFR (Visual Flight Rules) pilot or flying under IFR (Instrument Flight Rules), each ForeFlight package comes with tools that are specifically tailored to different types of flight.

Step 1: What's the Most Advanced Plan?

ForeFlight Performance Plus is the crème de la crème of ForeFlight packages. At $299.99/year, it's not just for anyone—it’s for pilots who need top-of-the-line features. Advanced flight planning tools, including detailed performance profiles for multiple aircraft, IFR charts, real-time weather overlays, and predictive analysis—this plan offers everything you could ever need.

The Performance Plus plan is designed for those who want absolute control and clarity. Imagine taking off, knowing that you have precise fuel consumption estimates and can easily re-route in case of changing conditions. This premium package is perfect for corporate pilots, commercial operators, or anyone who flies complex aircraft or long-haul routes.

But here's the kicker: Most pilots don't need this level of complexity, and many of its advanced features could overwhelm casual fliers or those who only stick to VFR flights. The truth is, even if you're an experienced pilot, you can often get by with a lower-tier subscription.

Step 2: What’s the Best Plan for Intermediate Pilots?

This brings us to ForeFlight Pro Plus, priced at $239.99/year. Pro Plus is often considered the “sweet spot” for the average GA (General Aviation) pilot. It includes georeferenced approach plates, giving you a real-time view of your position on IFR procedures. You also get the benefit of profile view, which visualizes terrain and weather along your route, ensuring you can make altitude adjustments based on hazards ahead.

Here’s where things get interesting: Pro Plus is ideal if you fly in varied weather conditions or are building hours toward an instrument rating. The added safety features like synthetic vision (which creates a 3D image of the surrounding terrain) and enhanced weather data give you the confidence to fly with more awareness, even in less-than-ideal conditions.

However, for pilots who rarely, if ever, deal with IFR conditions, the Basic Plus plan might be enough.

Step 3: What Do Beginners or Recreational Pilots Need?

The ForeFlight Basic Plus plan, at $119.99/year, is by far the most cost-effective option. This plan covers all the essentials: VFR charts, basic weather data, flight planning, and simple performance calculations. Most pilots flying under VFR in smaller planes, like a Cessna 172, will find Basic Plus more than adequate for everyday flying.

Here’s the hidden advantage: Even the Basic Plus plan includes airport information, fuel prices, and NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen), so you can plan your flights efficiently without paying extra for features you might never use.

But beware: If you think you'll eventually need to access IFR charts or want advanced safety features like synthetic vision, it’s worth upgrading from the start. The jump from Basic Plus to Pro Plus is an investment, but one that can pay off in peace of mind.

Hardware Compatibility and ForeFlight

One thing you must consider when buying any ForeFlight subscription is the hardware you're using. ForeFlight works best on iPads and iPhones, and while it does have web capabilities, it thrives on iOS devices due to their processing power and ease of use in the cockpit. Many pilots find the iPad mini to be the perfect size for using ForeFlight in small planes, though larger screens provide a more immersive experience for features like synthetic vision and map overlays.

Here’s a quick tip: Ensure your device has cellular capability—even if you don’t plan on activating cellular service, only cellular-enabled iPads come with GPS chips.

Additional Features to Consider:

• ForeFlight Documents: This feature alone can be a lifesaver. It allows you to upload and store important documents like checklists, aircraft manuals, and FAA regulations, all easily accessible mid-flight.
• Track Logs: All plans allow you to record your flights, but higher-end plans offer more detailed analytics that can be incredibly useful for training or reviewing your flight path.
• Logbook Integration: If you're tracking flight hours for a certification, you can use ForeFlight’s digital logbook to sync your track logs and automatically update your hours.
• Weight & Balance: This tool simplifies one of the most tedious pre-flight tasks—calculating your aircraft’s weight distribution.

Data-Driven Comparison of ForeFlight Plans

As you can see, the leap in features between each subscription is substantial, particularly when moving to Performance Plus. However, the most important thing is that you don't overpay for features you won’t use.

Why ForeFlight Over Competitors?

There are other flight planning apps available, but ForeFlight continues to dominate because of its intuitive interface, real-time data, and constant updates. Other apps might cost less upfront, but they lack the ecosystem ForeFlight has built, particularly in terms of third-party integrations (like Garmin and Jeppesen) and customer support.

Final Thoughts
ForeFlight is an essential tool for modern pilots, but selecting the right plan comes down to your personal needs and flying habits. Start small with Basic Plus if you’re just beginning or fly only VFR. Upgrade to Pro Plus once you start flying in complex conditions or working toward an instrument rating. Only opt for Performance Plus if you're a commercial pilot or operate more complex aircraft, where every additional feature can make a significant difference.

Whichever plan you choose, ForeFlight will improve your flying experience, providing safety, efficiency, and peace of mind.