Go to flightradar24.com, click on any active flight on the map, and copy the URL from your browser's address bar. It will look something like:
flightradar24.com/UAL123/3a4b5c6d
You can also use past flights from FR24's flight history. To do this:
1. Search for a flight number on FR24 (e.g. AS219)
2. You'll land on the flight history page showing a list of past flights
3. Click on the specific flight (date/row) you want
4. Copy the URL — it should contain a # followed by a hex code
flightradar24.com/data/flights/as219#3edadac6
Important: The link must include the # and hex code at the end. A link like flightradar24.com/data/flights/as219 (without the #) is the history page, not a specific flight. Also note that very old flights may no longer have data available.
Paste the link into the input field and click Fetch. The tool will pull the flight's origin, destination, aircraft type, airline, and registration automatically. This works for both live and historic flight links.
Want to fly a different aircraft than what's on FR24? Toggle on Override aircraft type and search from 150+ aircraft in SimBrief's database. Type an ICAO code (B77W) or name (777) to search.
Your SimBrief Pilot ID is optional — SimBrief will still generate an OFP without it using default values. If you enter your Pilot ID, SimBrief will use your saved preferences (default weights, fuel settings, etc.) for a more personalized flight plan. You can also set an alternate airport, cost index, cruise flight level, and passenger count. Leave any field blank for SimBrief to auto-calculate.
Click Generate OFP via SimBrief. This opens SimBrief's dispatch page pre-filled with all your flight parameters. Review and click Generate on SimBrief to get your full Operational Flight Plan.
Search for an airline by name, ICAO code, or IATA code. When selected, the destination will be chosen from airports that airline actually flies to in the real world. Leave it blank for a random destination based on aircraft range.
Search SimBrief's database of 150+ aircraft by ICAO code or name. The tool uses each aircraft's real-world range to pick realistic destinations — no transatlantic hops in a Cessna! You'll see the aircraft's approximate range after selecting.
Enter an ICAO airport code (e.g. KJFK, EGLL) or click Random to get a random major airport. The random button picks airports appropriate for your aircraft size — small fields for GA, large internationals for widebodies.
Select a preferred flight length: Short (<2h), Medium (2-5h), Long (>5h), or Any. The tool filters destinations to match your preference within the aircraft's range.
Click Generate Flight to get a destination. Don't like it? Click again for a new one. The status bar shows the route distance, estimated flight time, and whether the route is based on the airline's real network.
Optionally add your SimBrief Pilot ID for personalized fuel/weight settings, set an alternate airport, cost index, cruise FL, or passenger count. Then click Generate OFP via SimBrief to open your flight plan.