I am curious as to what benefits I would get by buying pfpx or using simbrief. Currently when do I g a domestic USA flight, I get my flights flight plan from FlightAware and fuel from topcat.  When entering the cockpit, I go into the fmc, randomize the cargo and payload and then use the fuel that was given in topcat. So my question is, what additional information would I be getting from simbrief that I'm not currently getting with my current method?  On top of that, what would the $50 fee of pfpx give me over simbrief or my current process.  I also add the average wind into the fmc that I get from active sky.  

Please help me understand the uses for these. Thanks!!

SimBrief is free.  I have PFPX how often are you going to take 30 mins to fully flight plan.  You are using Flight Aware that tells me a lot.   Try SimBrief and if it does not do enough for you then go after PFPX.   I don't take the time to do all that PFPX offers me.   SimBrief is more accurate when it pulls runways for weather....Just my opinion.  have a great flight day

PFPX is great software if you need just a little more detail or customization of your flight plan.  If not, you really can't go wrong with SimBrief. As far as fuel planning they are both very good and often match one another.

Best wishes.

 

Thanks guys!  I think a combo of Simbrief and FlightAware should be plenty for me. 

I find that SimBrief is perfect for domestic flights but the second you cross into ETOPS territory, PFPX becomes a must have. For everything else, SimBrief should be just fine.

9 hours ago, Milton Waddams said:

I find that SimBrief is perfect for domestic flights but the second you cross into ETOPS territory, PFPX becomes a must have. For everything else, SimBrief should be just fine.

Thanks.  I think I would agree.  I rarely cross the pond so I think Simbrief will be the way to go.  I just need to learn how to extrapolate a lot of the data and put it to use.