How to Import IGC Files into FreeFly.ing

IGC files are the standard GPS track format used by most flight instruments. Every flight you record on a XCTrack, Naviter, Flytec, Syride, or LXNAV device creates an IGC file automatically. Importing those files into your logbook takes under a minute and gives you a verified record of the flight — date, duration, launch and landing coordinates, max altitude, and the full GPS track.

What Is an IGC File?

IGC is a text-based format defined by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI). The file records a GPS fix every few seconds throughout the flight, plus header data including pilot name, wing type, and competition class if set on the device. Competitions use IGC files for scoring. For logbook purposes, the useful data is the track and the metadata embedded in the header.

A typical IGC file is small — a two-hour flight is usually under 500 KB.

Step 1: Get the IGC File Off Your Vario

XCTrack (Android):
Flights are stored on your phone under /sdcard/XCTrack/flights/ or accessible via XCTrack's built-in flight list. Connect via USB and copy the .igc files, or use a file manager app to locate them.

Naviter (Oudie, Hyper):
Connect via USB. The device appears as a mass storage drive. Navigate to the FLIGHTS folder and copy the .igc files.

Flytec / Brauniger:
Use the manufacturer's PC software (Flychart or similar) to export IGC files, or connect via USB and browse the device storage directly.

Syride:
Use the Syride website or desktop software to download IGC files for each flight.

LXNAV:
Connect via USB or use LXStyler to download and export IGC files.

If your instrument has a companion app, check the app's flight list — most allow direct IGC export or share.

Step 2: Import into FreeFly.ing

1. Open FreeFly.ing and go to Logbook.
2. Tap or click Import IGC.
3. Select the .igc file from your device.
4. FreeFly.ing parses the file and shows a preview: date, duration, launch location, and any metadata from the file header.
5. Review the details, select the wing you flew, and confirm.

The flight is added to your logbook with the GPS track attached. Duration and airtime are pulled from the file — no manual entry needed.

Importing Multiple Flights

If you've been flying for a week at a camp and have ten flights to log, you can import them one at a time or batch them. Select multiple IGC files in the file picker and FreeFly.ing will process each in turn.

Duplicate detection is built in: if you try to import a flight that matches an existing entry by date and duration, the app flags it and asks whether to add it anyway.

What Gets Populated Automatically

• Flight date and start time
• Duration (from first to last fix)
• Launch coordinates (first GPS fix with valid altitude)
• Landing coordinates (last fix)
• Max altitude and altitude gain (derived from the track)
• Site name, if the coordinates match a known launch site in the database

You'll still want to manually add: wind conditions, notes, the specific kit you flew, and any incident or safety report.

Checking Your Import History

Under Logbook, filter by Source: IGC to see only imported flights. This is useful to verify that a batch import landed correctly, or to find flights where you forgot to select a wing.

XContest Integration

If you submit flights to XContest for scoring, your XContest account stores IGC files. FreeFly.ing can import directly from XContest — see the XContest import guide for details.

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IGC import is the fastest way to build an accurate airtime record. Log the flight on your vario, transfer the file, and your logbook stays current without manual data entry.