VIRFuel vs FlightBrief
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
VIRFuel
This app calculates fuel and weight for Boeing 787 and Airbus A350/330 aircraft, using Sabre flight plan data. It supports metric tonnes and Virgin Atlantic SOPs, allowing for updates with desired loads and actual figures from the loadsheet. It also provides fuel uplift calculations in Litres and USG, and can display aircraft fuel book data.
- Fuel and weight calculations for B787, A350/330
- Sabre flight plan integration
- Metric tonnes and Virgin Atlantic SOPs
- Loadsheet data updates
- Fuel uplift in Litres and USG
- Aircraft Fuel Book representation
- TAF and Metar report downloads
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VIRFuel is a fuel and weight calculation application designed for Boeing 787, Airbus A350/330 operations using the Sabre flight plan. The application is in metric tonnes and conforms to SOPs used for Virgin Atlantic operations. Fuel and weight data is inserted from the front page of the flight plan (the 'plan figures') and can then be updated with desired loads and actual figures from the final ZFW/loadsheet. Changes in zero-fuel weight calculate updates to trip fuel and suggest a new ramp fuel. Alternatively a manually entered ramp fuel, touchdown fuel or required extra fuel at destination will calculate updates to trip fuel and ramp fuel. At each stage a take-off weight will be updated and TODC/OPT weights calculated (a TODC buffer of 1T is used). For near maximum weight plans, Std and Aft CG RTOW weights can be provided to calculate a maximum possible ZFW & Ramp fuel combination. Fuel uplift calculations in Litres and USG with commonly used density units are available to ensure an indicated versus calculated fuel load within +/-1.5%. A representation of the Aircraft Fuel Book can be shown for the easy entry or cross-checking of log book entries. Finally, flight plan waypoint fuel checks can be updated for changes in trip fuel burn. Internal cross-checking is performed and aircraft type limits can be set using the application settings menu or from the plan input page. Engineers have the option to skip directly to the fuel uplift page. A 'swipe-to-reveal' calculator has time addition and unit conversion functions. A list of favourite airports can be maintained for which TAF and Metar reports can be downloaded from the NOAA ADDS service. The reports are crosschecked for format errors, download errors and time validity. A colour coded system will highlight wind/visibility/weather/cloud fields that may have operationally significant values. RMK fields are not comprehensively scanned for all decodes and runway states or local variations in format are not necessarily decoded.
FlightBrief
This app transforms static flight plans into interactive, structured operational interfaces for pilots. It analyzes and presents critical flight data through clear, color-coded views, enhancing situational awareness and decision-making.
- Import Operational Flight Plans from PDF
- Structured analysis of route, fuel, and performance data
- Interactive Navigation Display with 2D globe visualization
- Visualization of routes, airports, and FIR boundaries
- Monitoring of operational limitations and constraints
- Integrated weather and situational awareness tools
- Fuel, weight, and performance calculations
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FlightBrief Change the way you see your flight plan FlightBrief is an operational companion designed for Boeing 777 and Boeing 787 pilots. It transforms the traditional Operational Flight Plan from a static PDF into a structured, interactive operational interface built around real-world line operations. Instead of navigating dense black-and-white documents, FlightBrief analyzes the Operational Flight Plan and presents critical information through clear, logically organized views. Operationally relevant data is prioritized, helping pilots interpret complex flight information quickly and efficiently. Operational Clarity FlightBrief converts raw flight plan data into a format aligned with cockpit workflows. Key parameters, performance considerations, fuel planning elements, and operational constraints are presented in a consistent and intuitive structure. Color-coded visual logic enhances situational awareness by highlighting conditions, deviations, and decision-relevant factors across all flight phases. Key Capabilities • Import Operational Flight Plans directly from PDF • Structured analysis of route, fuel, and performance data • Interactive Navigation Display with 2D globe visualization • Visualization of routes, airports, and FIR boundaries • Monitoring of operational limitations and constraints • Integrated weather and situational awareness tools • Fuel, weight, and performance-related calculations • Personalized notes and knowledge capture • Seamless synchronization across iPhone and iPad • Threat Briefings for Departure, Cruise and Arrivals Navigation Display (GLOBE) The GLOBE provides a dynamic operational perspective of the flight, integrating route geometry, adequate airports, FIRs, and operationally relevant information into a single coherent view. Pilots gain immediate awareness of flight structure, environmental factors, and surrounding operational context without the need to cross-reference multiple documents. Designed for Line Operations FlightBrief is designed to reduce information scanning and cognitive workload by presenting flight plan data in a clear, operationally aligned format. The app supports situational awareness and decision-focused workflows throughout all phases of flight. Check www.softwareforpilots.com for more information. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: VIRFuel at none against FlightBrief's 2. VIRFuel also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.6). FlightBrief's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 9 months). On price, review sentiment, ads and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. FlightBrief sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. VIRFuel asks for nothing beyond the download.
VIRFuel ships an update every 9 months, FlightBrief monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 12, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | VIRFuel | FlightBrief |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.0 (2 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 94.1% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 2 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 9 months | Monthly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 — better | 18.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 19 MB | 315 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | BearCode | Michael Gehringer |
Customer experience
VIRFuel
FlightBrief
In-app purchases
VIRFuel
No in-app purchases
FlightBrief
- FLIGHTBRIEF Monthly1 Month trial$9.991 Month
- FLIGHTBRIEF Yearly1 Month trial$99.991 Year








