Top 5 Paragliding Apps for Your Phone

Are you looking for the best paragliding apps to enhance your flying experience? Whether you’re a beginner just getting started or a seasoned cross-country flyer, having the right tools on your phone can make all the difference. From flight tracking and thermal assistants to live weather updates, these apps will take your flying to new heights.

In this post, we’ve rounded up the top five apps that every paragliding enthusiast should consider.

1. Gaggle - Flight Recorder

Gaggle is an all-in-one flight recording app tailored for paragliding pilots. Whether you’re tracking flights, monitoring weather conditions, or staying safe with airspace warnings, Gaggle has it all. It features real-time live tracking, 3D flight replays, and customizable airspace alerts. Plus, Gaggle lets you share your flights with friends and track them in real-time, making it easy to stay connected in the air.

Key Features:

• Real-time live tracking
• 3D flight replays
• Airspace warnings and customizable notifications
• In-depth flight logging
• Paragliding flying sites with weather conditions
• Emergency alerts and SOS feature

Pricing:

• Free version available
• Frequent Flyer Plan: $4.99/month or $60/year
• Adventurer Plan: $7.99/month or $96/year

Download Gaggle

2. theFlightVario

theFlightVario turns your smartphone into a highly accurate variometer. Using a combination of your phone’s GPS, barometer, and accelerometer, it provides instant vario feedback without the need for a standalone device. Pilots can also take advantage of its thermal maps, GNSS logging, and airspace visualization, making it an excellent tool for cross-country and thermal flying.

Key Features:

• Instant vario feedback with precise altitude data
• Thermal maps to help pilots find and center thermals
• Airspace visualizations and waypoint navigation
• Flight logging with GNSS and IGC files

Pricing:

• Free to download with in-app purchases

Learn more about theFlightVario

3. FlySkyHy (iOS)

For iPhone users, FlySkyHy is one of the most popular paragliding apps. It’s designed specifically for paragliding GPS tracking, thermal detection, and airspace alerts. This app allows pilots to monitor their glide ratio, detect thermals, and avoid restricted airspaces. Although it’s a paid app, the one-time cost provides access to a wide range of features, making it a good choice for iOS users.

Key Features:

• GPS tracking and glide ratio calculator
• Thermal detection and airspace warnings
• Detailed flight logging and stats

Pricing:

• $19.99 one-time purchase

Check out FlySkyHy

4. XCTrack (Android)

If you’re serious about cross-country flying, XCTrack is a good app for Android users. It offers detailed live GPS tracking, flight planning tools, and thermal assistance. Pilots can also connect to external sensors and Bluetooth variometers for more accurate data. XCTrack’s interface makes it easy to plan routes, track flights, and monitor performance during long flights.

Key Features:

• Optimized for cross-country flying
• Supports external sensors and Bluetooth variometers
• Comprehensive flight planning and tracking tools

Pricing:

• Free, with optional donations

Get XCTrack

5. Paragliding Map (iOS & Android)

Looking for new places to fly? Paragliding Map is perfect for discovering flying sites around the world. It provides real-time weather updates, including wind speed and direction, making it easier to decide where and when to fly. With a database of thousands of paragliding sites, it’s a great tool for both local flying and travel planning.

Key Features:

• Real-time weather updates for paragliding sites
• Database of thousands of flying sites worldwide
• Wind speed, direction, and forecast display

Pricing:

• Free

Download Paragliding Map

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a beginner getting your feet off the ground or an experienced pilot flying cross-country, these apps are essential companions. With tools for flight logging, thermals, GPS tracking, and airspace warnings, these paragliding apps will help you stay safe and informed during every flight. So, what are you waiting for? Download one (or all) of these apps and elevate your flying experience today!

Happy flying, and don’t forget to track your next flight with Gaggle!