Introduction to Prepar3D Flight Recording

Prepar3D, developed by Lockheed Martin, is a professional-grade flight simulation platform used by aviation enthusiasts, flight schools, and military training facilities worldwide. Among its many capabilities, the built-in flight recording tool stands out as an essential feature for pilots seeking to analyze their performance, rehearse complex procedures, or create training scenarios. Unlike simple screen capture, Prepar3D's recording system saves full flight state data — including aircraft position, attitude, control inputs, weather conditions, and system parameters — allowing for true playback and debriefing. This guide provides a thorough walkthrough of setting up and using flight recording for training and review, covering everything from initial configuration to advanced analysis techniques.

Enabling Flight Recording in Prepar3D

Before you can begin recording flights, the feature must be enabled in Prepar3D's settings. Although it is available in all versions of Prepar3D (v3, v4, and v5), the exact menu path may vary slightly depending on your version. The following steps apply to Prepar3D v4 and v5:

Step-by-Step Configuration

  1. Launch Prepar3D and access the Settings menu from the opening screen or in-sim via Options.
  2. Select the General tab (or Application tab in some versions).
  3. Scroll down to the Flight Recording section. If you do not see it, ensure you are not in a flight — some settings are only accessible from the main menu.
  4. Check the box labeled Enable Flight Recording.
  5. Click Browse to choose a default directory where recordings will be saved. It is recommended to use a folder with ample disk space, as recording files can grow large during long sessions.
  6. Optionally, adjust the Recording interval (in seconds) to control how frequently data is written. A lower interval provides smoother playback but increases file size. A value of 1–2 seconds is typical for training purposes.
  7. Click OK to save changes.

Once enabled, the recording feature is ready to use. Note that recordings capture the state of the simulated aircraft and environment, not screen video. This means you can change camera views, zoom, and even pause during playback — a significant advantage over video recordings for training analysis.

Starting and Stopping a Flight Recording

With the feature enabled, you can start and stop recordings at any time during a flight. The default hotkey is Ctrl + Shift + R, but you can remap it in the controls settings if desired.

Recording Procedure

  • Load your desired aircraft, location, and weather scenario.
  • Once airborne or at the point you wish to begin recording, press Ctrl + Shift + R. A confirmation message may appear in the top-left corner or in the event log. You can also start recording from the ground before taxi.
  • Fly your intended profile normally. The recording captures all control inputs, aircraft systems, and external conditions.
  • To stop recording, press Ctrl + Shift + R again. The recording is automatically saved to the directory you specified in settings, with a filename that includes the date and time (e.g., FlightRec_20250228_143015.flt).

Pro tip: If you forget to start recording, you can still initiate it mid-flight. However, you will lose data from the earlier portion. For critical training sessions, consider starting the recording as soon as you begin taxi.

Recording Multiple Segments

You are not limited to a single recording per session. You can stop and start recording multiple times, with each segment saved as a separate file. This is useful for focusing on specific phases of flight (e.g., departure, approach, landing) and reviewing them individually.

Reviewing Flight Recordings

After completing your flight, the real value of recording appears: the ability to replay, analyze, and learn from the data. Prepar3D includes a built-in playback system that allows you to load and review recordings with full control over time, speed, and viewpoint.

How to Play Back a Recording

  1. From the Prepar3D main menu, select Load > Flight Recording (or navigate to File > Open and choose a recording file).
  2. Browse to the directory where your recordings are saved. Files have the extension .flt (or .fdr in older versions).
  3. Select the file and click Open. Prepar3D will load the recording and place you in playback mode. The aircraft state, time, and view will reset to the start of the recording.
  4. Use the playback controls that appear at the top of the screen (or accessible via the Views menu > Playback Controls). These include:
    • Play / Pause
    • Stop (returns to start)
    • Speed slider (0.1x to 10x)
    • Time scrubber – drag to jump to any point in the recording.
  5. While playing, you can freely change camera views (cockpit, external, tower, etc.) and zoom in/out. This is invaluable for examining instrument readings or external aircraft attitude.

Note: Recording files contain only simulation state data. They do not include external applications like ATC chatter or third-party add-ons unless those add-ons also record compatible data. For complete debriefing, consider supplementing recordings with voice recordings or screen capture.

Analyzing Your Performance

During playback, focus on key performance indicators such as altitude deviations, airspeed management, heading accuracy, and control smoothness. Pause at critical moments — for example, during flare on landing — to assess your technique. You can also use the Slew mode during playback to reposition the view without affecting the recorded data.

Advanced Use Cases for Training and Review

Beyond simple playback, Prepar3D's flight recording can be leveraged for deeper analysis and structured training. The following strategies will help you get the most out of the tool.

Debriefing with an Instructor or Peer

Load a recording together with an instructor or fellow pilot. Use the playback to pause and discuss specific maneuvers. Because the recording includes all control inputs, the instructor can see exactly what you did, not just where the aircraft went. This enables targeted feedback on technique, such as excessive rudder use or late throttle adjustments.

Comparing Multiple Flights

Record several attempts of the same approach or pattern. Afterward, load them sequentially (or use a utility to compare side-by-side, though Prepar3D does not natively overlay recordings). Note differences in your control inputs, timing, and outcomes. This comparative analysis is a powerful way to track improvement over time.

Creating Training Scenarios

Advanced users can edit recording files (they are plain text in some formats) to create custom scenarios. For example, you might record a perfect approach, then manipulate the file to introduce wind shear or engine failure at a specific point. This requires knowledge of the file format, but it can be a valuable tool for instructor-led training. Refer to the Prepar3D SDK documentation on flight recording for details on the file structure.

Integrating with External Analysis Tools

Some third-party utilities can parse recording files and extract data for spreadsheets or visualization tools. For example, you can extract altitude, airspeed, vertical speed, and other parameters over time to create graphs. This is particularly useful for flight schools that need quantifiable metrics for student evaluation. Searching online for "Prepar3D flight recording analyser" may yield community-built tools.

Tips for Effective Use

To maximize the benefits of flight recordings in your training or review routine, consider the following practical tips:

  • Record consistently: Make it a habit to start recording every flight. Even casual flights can provide valuable data for later analysis.
  • Annotate during flight: Use the in-sim chat or a notepad to mark noteworthy moments (e.g., "ILS capture at 10 nm" or "unstable approach"). This makes later review more efficient.
  • Combine with external data: Use a separate voice recorder or screen capture tool to record ATC communications or instructor comments. Syncing these with the recording playback creates a comprehensive debrief package.
  • Set specific learning objectives: Before recording, decide what you want to focus on — e.g., crosswind landings, VOR tracking, or emergency procedures. Review the recording with those objectives in mind.
  • Manage storage: Recording files can consume significant disk space, especially long-haul flights at low intervals. Periodically archive or delete old recordings. Consider compressing older files.
  • Check recording integrity: After a recording, quickly scrub through a few minutes to ensure it captured correctly. Corrupted files can occur due to sudden sim crashes or full disks.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While flight recording is generally reliable, users may encounter problems. Here are solutions to frequent issues:

Recording Option Grayed Out or Missing

If the Flight Recording checkbox is disabled, ensure you are not in an active flight. Return to the main menu and access Settings from there. Also, confirm that your Prepar3D version supports recording (all professional and academic versions do; the free student version may have limitations).

Playback Shows No Aircraft or Frozen View

This can happen if the recording file is incomplete or corrupt. Try stopping the recording before exiting the sim. Always wait for the "Recording saved" confirmation. If the issue persists, reduce the recording interval or check available disk space.

Controls Do Not Respond During Playback

During playback, your control inputs are not recorded — you are only spectating. You can, however, use the Slew mode (press Y) to move the viewpoint around. To regain control of the aircraft, you must stop playback and load the recording as a normal flight (though this is not recommended as it will overwrite the recorded state). Instead, use a separate aircraft for practice after reviewing.

Large File Sizes

For long flights, files can reach hundreds of megabytes. Increase the recording interval (e.g., to 5 seconds) for less critical flights. You can also delete older recordings regularly. Consider moving completed recordings to an external drive for archival.

Conclusion

Prepar3D's flight recording feature is a powerful, underutilized tool for pilots at all levels. By enabling it, recording flights, and methodically reviewing playback, you can transform your simulation sessions into focused training opportunities. The ability to replay exact control inputs, analyze timing, and view multiple angles makes it far superior to simple video recording for debriefing. Whether you are a student pilot preparing for a checkride, a flight instructor providing remote feedback, or an experienced aviator refining instrument skills, integrating flight recording into your routine will accelerate learning and improve performance. Start using it today — your next flight review will be more productive.