.IGC File Extension
International Gliding Commission Data File
| Developer | IGC of the FAI |
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An IGC file contains flight data captured by a flight recorder to analyze the performance of an aircraft, such as a glider, paraglider, or paramotor. It is saved in the International Gliding Commission (IGC) Data file standard, which is comprised of records on separate lines in plain text. Examples of flight information stored in the file include the flight duration, altitude gain, the circuit performed as planned, satellite positioning, and altitude evolution.
More Information
The International Gliding Commission of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) developed and released the format in 1995. Specialized recorders, such as anti-collision devices, mobile apps, and FAI loggers, generate IGC files while recording data from an aircraft.
After a flight, pilots can review the data stored in the IGC file, and officials can use it to certify the pilot's performance. The IGC format also supports digital signatures using public key cryptography, ensuring the integrity and authenticity of the recorded flight data.
How to open an IGC file
You can open IGC files with several GPS applications, including GPXSee, a GPS log viewer and analyzer for Windows, macOS, and Linux. For example, to open an IGC file with GPXSee, select .
Opening an IGC file with a text editor
Since IGC files store plain text, you can also open them with plain text editors, such as Microsoft Notepad (Windows), Apple TextEdit (macOS), and gedit (Linux). You may need to change the .igc file extension to .txt for the text editor to open the file. Remember that opening an IGC file with a text editor will not appear the same as opening it with a GPS application.
How to convert an IGC file
Various applications, such as GPXSee and Convert IGC to KML, can convert IGC files to other formats.
For example, GPXSee can convert IGC files to the Portable Document Format (.PDF) and Portable Network Graphic (.PNG) file types.
Also, Convert IGC to KML is a web app that can convert IGC files to Keyhole Markup Language (.KML) files.