How to Export Your Flight Track

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How to Export Your Flight Track

Send us the GPS track of your solo and we'll turn it into a one-of-a-kind 3D keepsake. Here's how to pull the file from whatever you flew with.

GPXpreferred KML / KMZGoogle Earth CSVdata log IGC / FITon request

What we need from you

One file containing the GPS track of your flight — the string of latitude, longitude, altitude and time points recorded from engine start to shutdown. Most apps call it a track log.

We accept GPX, KML, KMZ, and CSV out of the box. Flying gliders or logging to a Garmin device? We can also take IGC and FIT — just mention it.

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Didn't show up on FlightRadar24? That's completely normal — and not a problem. Live tracking sites lose coverage down low in the traffic pattern, which is exactly where your solo happened. The track recorded by your own app or the airplane's avionics is more complete anyway. Use one of the sources below.

Find your app below

Pick the app or device you flew with and follow the steps. When in doubt, grab the file and send it — we'll sort out the format.

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ForeFlight

KML · GPX · CSV

The most common electronic flight bag. If you had an iPad running, this is probably your file.

On the iPad / iPhone app → KML

  1. Tap More in the bottom toolbar.
  2. Tap Track Logs.
  3. Select the flight you want (check the date and time of your solo).
  4. Tap the Send To button.
  5. Choose Open KML in… — then email it to yourself or save to Files.

Want GPX or CSV instead? Sign in at plan.foreflight.com, open Track Logs, pick your flight, click the … (More Options) button, choose Download, then download your preferred format.

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Garmin Pilot

Share sheet

Garmin's flight bag app. Track logs live inside your logbook entries.

  1. Open your Logbook and find the entry for your solo.
  2. Open the logbook entry — your recorded track is attached to it.
  3. Tap the Apple Share icon on the logbook entry.
  4. Email the file to yourself or save it to Files, then upload it to us.

Tip: You can preview the track first with Show on Map to confirm it's the right flight before sharing.

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CloudAhoy

KML · CSV

The post-flight debrief app many flight schools use. If your instructor debriefs your flights here, your solo is likely saved.

  1. Sign in at cloudahoy.com and open My Flights.
  2. Open the flight for your solo date.
  3. Use the flight's Download / Export option and choose KML (or CSV).
  4. Send us the downloaded file.

Shortcut: CloudAhoy imports your track from ForeFlight, Garmin, or the airplane's avionics — so if you still have that original file, you can just send that instead.

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Glass cockpit data log (Garmin G1000 / G3X and similar)

CSV

No app running? If you trained in a glass-panel airplane, it recorded the whole flight to an SD card — often the cleanest track of all.

  1. With the airplane off, remove the SD card from the top slot of the MFD (check your aircraft's guide, or ask your school — schools often pull these routinely).
  2. Put the card in a reader connected to your computer or phone.
  3. Open the GARMIN folder, then the DATA LOG subfolder.
  4. Find the .csv file with your solo's date and send it to us.
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The SD card belongs to the aircraft — copy your file, then put the card back exactly where you found it. When in doubt, ask your instructor or dispatch to pull it for you.

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Handheld GPS, watches & live trackers

GPX · KML · CSV

Anything else that recorded your position works too.

  1. Garmin aera / GPSMAP handhelds & aviation watches: export the track as GPX (or FIT) from the device or the Garmin app.
  2. FlightAware / FlightRadar24 / ADS-B Exchange: if your flight was tracked, open the flight and use their KML or CSV export.
  3. Something not listed? If you can get a file with latitude, longitude, altitude and time, send it — we'll work with it.

Before you send it — quick checklist

  • It's the right flight — double-check the date and time of your solo.
  • The track covers the whole flight, from taxi/takeoff through landing. Don't trim it.
  • It includes altitude if possible — that's what gives your 3D print its climbs and descents.
  • The file opens/downloads fully before uploading (not just a preview link).