Whether you’re getting ready for your first flight or you’ve already logged hundreds of hours in the air, having the right apps on your phone can make a huge difference. From tracking your flights and avoiding restricted airspace to getting live weather and wind info, these tools help keep you safe, informed, and ready for adventure.
Here are five apps that every paramotor pilot should know about.
🪂 1. Gaggle – Flight Recorder
If you’ve been flying for a while, you’ve probably heard of Gaggle. It’s the go-to app for paramotor pilots around the world. What makes it special is the mix of smart safety features and post-flight fun — you can track your flight live, replay it in 3D, and even get automatic airspace alerts as you fly.
It also integrates with SafeSky, which gives you live aircraft warnings, so you always know what’s nearby. Plus, the app uses audio cues to keep you updated on altitude and wind direction, which means you can focus on flying instead of staring at your screen.
Key Features:
- Real-time flight tracking with 3D replays
- SafeSky integration for live aircraft warnings
- Audio cues for altitude and wind updates
- Airspace alerts and detailed flight logs
Pricing:
- Free version available
- Frequent Flyer Plan: $4.99/month
- Adventurer Plan: $7.99/month
👉 Available on iOS and Android
🗺️ 2. PPGpS
Even though PPGpS hasn’t seen major updates lately, it’s still a favorite among paramotor pilots — especially those who fly in remote areas or places with limited signal. It supports offline maps, has waypoint planning, and even gives you wind estimation for better pre-flight decisions.
If you like keeping things simple and lightweight, this app is perfect. The premium version adds a few more tools and deeper flight logging, but the free version already covers the essentials.
Key Features:
- Offline maps and custom waypoint planning
- Wind estimation and thermal assistance
- Free version with optional upgrade
Pricing:
- Free version available
- Premium upgrade: $4.49
👉 Android only
🧭 3. XCNav
For those who love open-source tools, XCNav is a gem. It’s free, community-driven, and built specifically for paramotor pilots. The app includes live GPS tracking, airspace overlays, and can connect to ADSB-in hardware for real-time aircraft proximity alerts.
It also lets you share your live location with your flying group, which is super handy on long routes or when flying cross-country with friends.
Key Features:
- Live GPS tracking and airspace overlays
- ADSB-in aircraft warnings (with compatible device)
- Group coordination and live sharing
- Audio updates for altitude and course
Pricing:
- Free
👉 Available on Android
🌤️ 4. FlySkyHy (iOS)
If you’re an iPhone user, FlySkyHy is the one to get. It’s beautifully designed, reliable, and offers everything you need for advanced GPS tracking, airspace alerts, and thermal detection.
The app logs every detail from your flights — altitude, glide ratio, speed, thermals — and makes it easy to review your performance or export data for flight analysis. It’s a solid one-time investment that serious pilots love.
Key Features:
- GPS tracking with glide ratio calculator
- Thermal detection and airspace alerts
- Detailed flight logging and export tools
Pricing:
- $19.99 one-time purchase
👉 iOS only
🚫 5. B4UFLY
Originally designed for drone pilots, B4UFLY has become a surprisingly useful app for paramotorists too. It taps into official FAA data to show real-time airspace restrictions, Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs), and other no-fly zones.
If you’re traveling or flying in new areas, B4UFLY is an easy way to double-check that you’re not taking off in restricted airspace.
Key Features:
- Real-time airspace alerts
- FAA integration for TFRs and restricted zones
- Free and easy to use
Pricing:
- Free
👉 Available on iOS and Android
⚙️ Quick Comparison
| App | Platform | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gaggle | iOS / Android | Real-time tracking + alerts | Free / $4.99–$7.99 |
| PPGpS | Android | Offline maps + wind tools | Free / $4.49 |
| XCNav | Android | Group flying + ADSB-in | Free |
| FlySkyHy | iOS | Advanced flight logging | $19.99 |
| B4UFLY | iOS / Android | Airspace awareness | Free |
✈️ Final Thoughts
Whether you’re just starting out or preparing for a long coastal expedition, these apps are your best digital co-pilots. They’ll help you plan smarter, fly safer, and capture every moment of your journey.
So before your next flight, take a few minutes to set one up — especially Gaggle, which I’ve found to be a game-changer for logging and sharing flights.
Happy flying, and see you up there! 🪂
