Updating Fsx: Airport Database Refresher Guide

Updating the airport database for FSX can be an unreliable process. Users have reported issues with the default game not updating since 2007, which has resulted in outdated runway names and numbers. While Steam updates are unrelated to the actual database, there are a few workarounds to ensure your airport database is current. One method is to use a program called ADE to edit the airport yourself or to download add-on scenery. Another option is to use a web-based tool like Fly Away Simulation, which provides information on over 46,000 airports worldwide, including runway and radio frequency details.

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Update the BGL files of the Nav Data

Updating the BGL files of the Nav Data is a process that can be done to ensure your flight simulator is as accurate as possible. Hervé Sors, the developer of the nav data update, uses a BGL compiler to update the database according to AIRAC cycles.

To update the BGL files, you will need to select the updated file you want to use, either FS9, FSX, or P3D. Then, copy the new MAGDEC.BGL file into the \SCENERY\BASE\SCENERY\ subfolder of your FS9/FSX-P3D install directory. When you launch your flight simulator, it will rebuild its index, and the new magnetic variations will be applied.

It is important to note that this process only updates the base FSX airports and not any add-on airports. If you are using add-on airports, you may still encounter outdated runway numbers and ILS frequencies. To avoid this, it is recommended to quickly check the Nav Aids using an AFCAD program before flying to an add-on airport.

In some cases, the FSX database may not update properly, especially when BGL files are modified or replaced. If this occurs, you can force an update by removing the BGL file, restarting FSX, and then adding the new BGL file before restarting again. This should trigger the update progress bar and ensure a successful update.

Use a program like ADE to edit the airport

You can use a program like Airport Design Editor (ADE) to edit the airport in your FSX database. ADE is a graphical design tool that allows you to create and enhance airports for Microsoft Flight Simulators 9 and X. It is inspired by the AFCAD2 tool developed for FS9 by Lee Swordy. ADE supports new FSX features such as fences, jetways, and terrain. It also allows users to remove, move, or edit existing buildings and objects, as well as add new ones.

To get started with ADE, you can download the software from various sources, such as The Owl's Nest or flyawaysimulation.com. The current production version of ADE is 1.78, released on December 24, 2019. There is also a development version, 1.79, which supports the newly released P3D v5.

Once you have ADE installed, you can refer to tutorials to learn the basics of airport design and how to use the software. Bob Kesshan has created three tutorials that are available as a download option when running the installer. Additionally, Helmuth Hauck has produced an excellent German manual that is part of the installation package for the 1.40 release.

When using ADE to edit your airport, keep in mind that it may not be compatible with the FSX Steam Edition as it requires two elements of the FSX SDK that are missing from the Steam Edition. However, there is a workaround by downloading the P3D v1.4 SDK from Lockheed Martin. Additionally, ADE requires the Arial Narrow Bold font, which is part of the MS Office package and cannot be downloaded for free.

Update the Scenery Library

Updating the Scenery Library in FSX can be done in a few ways, but it is important to note that the default game has not been updated since 2007.

One way to update the scenery is to use a program called Airport Design Editor (ADE). This allows users to edit airports, including runway numbers, and can be used to update the scenery for John Wayne Airport, for example. There may be freeware or payware scenery that can also be used to overwrite the default airport with an updated version.

Another way to update the scenery library is to use third-party websites, such as Fly Away Simulation, which provides a world airport database with information on over 46,000 airports worldwide, including runway information and radio frequencies. This can be used to plan flights and ensure you have the correct and most up-to-date information for your chosen airport.

Additionally, it is possible to update the base FSX airports by using specific websites that offer files to update the nav database. These files can be used to update runway headings, VOR, NDB, and ILS information. However, it is important to note that these updates may not work with all add-ons and programs, and it is always a good idea to check the Nav Aids using an AFCAD program before flying to an add-on airport to ensure you have the correct information.

Finally, some users have reported issues with the FSX database updating process, where the internal database does not properly update when BGL files are modified. In these cases, it may be necessary to force an update by removing the BGL, restarting FSX, and then adding the new BGL file before restarting again. This should trigger the update progress bar and ensure a successful update.

Update the base FSX airports

Updating the base FSX airports can be done in several ways. One way is to use a program called ADE (Airport Enhancement Services) to edit the airport yourself. This can be a detailed process, but there are guides available online to help you through it.

Another option is to download freeware or purchase payware scenery that will overwrite the default airport with an updated version. This is a simpler method but may not be as customizable as using ADE.

Additionally, you can use a website like Fly Away Simulation to look up airport information before flying to or from them in your flight simulation package. This can provide useful information about the airport, such as real-life satellite views, without requiring you to update the base FSX airports.

It is important to note that the default game has not been updated since 2007 (the Acceleration expansion pack). Dovetail can only distribute and optimize the game for Steam; they are unable to make any other changes. As a result, some airport information may be outdated, and you may need to manually update certain aspects, such as runway names and numbers, through the methods mentioned above.

Use a web-based tool to look up airport information

There are several web-based tools that can be used to look up airport information for FSX. One such tool is Fly Away Simulation's World Airports Database. This tool allows you to search for airports using the IDENT code (e.g. "KLAX" for Los Angeles International), the IATA code (e.g. "LHR" for London Heathrow), or the airport name (e.g. London City Airport). It displays useful information such as a real-life satellite view of the airport, as well as data about runways, ILS status, and VASI lights.

Another option is FSXmap.com, which shows airports, navaids, and waypoints, including data about runways. You can search for airports by setting various conditions such as runway length, ILS, and runway surface. Clicking on an airport on the map brings up the runway map, with each valid approach indicated by a number and colour coding that shows the ILS status and VASI lights information.

FSXDB.com is another web-based tool for looking up FSX airport data. You can search by ICAO Code, Airport Name, Country, City, State, Runway Length, Elevation, or Surface Type. The details page includes information on runways, COM, VOR, and NDB frequencies, and a Google Map.

These web-based tools provide a convenient way to access airport information for FSX, allowing users to plan their flights and gain useful insights before taking off.

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