Jazmin Li
Removing an airport from a flight simulator game can be a tricky task. While it is not possible to completely remove an airport from the game, there are ways to get rid of everything except for the IDENT in the scenery list. This can be done by modifying stock airport files, but this is not recommended as it can be destructive. Instead, you can change the ICAO, which will result in the runway being gone and the ILS being orphaned. Another method is to use an XML exclude file, which will exclude the entire airport except for the control tower. Additionally, you can delete default airport buildings by setting the display to Extremely Dense and then deleting them, though some may require an additional step of exclusion.
How to eliminate an airport in FSX
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Remove stock airport | Delete all objects in the ADE display and save the project as an ADE file |
| Remove airport buildings | Set display to "Extremely Dense" and delete all default buildings |
| Remove airport background | Draw a polygon around the area you want to clear and select "Airport Background" as the type |
| Exclude default airport | Use an XML exclude file |
| Remove trees | Use ADE9X to flatten the ground, remove unwanted trees, and make a new airport ground texture |
Explore related products
![Microsoft Flight Simulator: Premium Deluxe Edition – Windows 10 [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71KUbYllt-L._AC_UY218_.jpg)
![Microsoft Flight Simulator: Standard Edition – Windows 10 [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71M14Ap9QCL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
Removing default airport buildings
Firstly, ensure you have started with a stock airport in ADE. If you did not start with a stock airport, you will need to load the stock data into your project. To do this, go to 'Tools' > 'Load Stock Data', and load the stock information. This will include stock buildings, navaids, etc. You can then select or deselect items with the checkboxes.
Now, save the project as an ADE file by going to 'File' > 'Save Airport'. Do not compile or load the airport from a bgl file to work on it. Simply select the objects you want to delete and hit the delete key.
If you are still having trouble removing default airport buildings, you may need to create an exclusion rectangle. You can do this by drawing a regular rectangle around the building and applying the "terraform noBuilding" property. This method has been proven to work, with the building vanishing in the editor and staying away upon reloading.
Another method is to set a shape poly "Airport Backgrounds Flatten AutoGen" to delete the buildings. However, this tag will not delete airport buildings as they are library objects placed within the airport bgl file. You could exclude them with a self-made library object exclusion rectangle, but this is more complex.
Airport WiFi: Data Usage Savior or Myth?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Removing stock airports
Using ADE (Airport Design Editor)
The Airport Design Editor (ADE) is a powerful tool for editing and removing stock airports in FSX. Here are the steps to remove a stock airport using ADE:
- Load Stock Data: If you have loaded a BGL file for the airport, go to "Tools > Load Stock Data" to load the stock information, including buildings, navaids, etc.
- Save the Project: Save the project as an ADE file by going to "File > Save Airport." Do not compile or load the airport from a BGL file again.
- Delete Objects: Select any objects you want to delete within the airport, such as buildings, taxiways, or runways, and hit the Delete key. This will remove them from the ADE display and FSX.
- Exclude Specific Objects: For objects that cannot be deleted directly, you can use the "Exclude Specific" option in the Property Grid. Select "Airport Background Flatten MaskClassMap Autogen" as the Tag to exclude specific objects.
- Remove Approaches: Open the List > Approaches and delete them one at a time. Then, open the Navaid and Waypoint List and delete as much as possible.
- Modify Scenery List: While you cannot remove the entry in the FS airport list, you can modify the details to indicate that the airport is not in use.
Using XML Exclude File
Another method to remove default FSX airports is by using an XML exclude file. This method has been successful in excluding default airport buildings, except for the control tower in some cases. However, issues with default aprons, taxiways, and airfields bleeding through the equivalents have been reported.
Changing ICAO and Orphan ILS
Removing an airport can also be achieved by changing the ICAO code. This method involves orphaning the ILS (Instrument Landing System) and removing the approach code. However, it is important to note that this should not be used if you are changing the airport ICAO without a ProKey to avoid issues with duplicate ILS identifiers.
Drawing Exclusion Polygons
To remove the airport background polygon, you can draw a polygon that cuts the edge of the airport background. This method can also be used to remove trees and other objects by drawing polygons around the desired area. Ensure you finish drawing the polygon with a double click on the last point. When the property dialog opens, select "Airport Background" as the Type and "Flatten Mask Class Map ExcludeAutogen."
It is important to note that some objects within stock airports may be challenging to remove, and specific tools like ADE or XML exclude files may be required. Additionally, modifying stock airport files directly is not recommended as it can be destructive and irreversible. Always ensure you understand the process and have the necessary tools before attempting to remove stock airports in FSX.
Exploring Cuba: Airport Accessibility and Travel Options
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Removing airport trees
To remove airport trees in FSX, you will need to access the specific airport's scenery file and make the necessary adjustments using a suitable text editor or the FSX Scenery Editor tool. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Locate the Scenery Folder: Go to your Microsoft Flight Simulator X installation directory. Within this directory, navigate to the "Scenery" folder. This is where all the scenery-related files for the simulator are stored.
- Identify the Airport Folder: Inside the "Scenery" folder, you'll find numerous subfolders. Locate the folder named after the airport (ICAO code) from which you want to remove trees. For example, if you want to edit trees at Kennedy International Airport (KJFK), find the folder named "KJFK".
- Open the Airport File: Within the airport's folder, you'll find several files, including an ".ADT" file and possibly a ".BGL" file. You'll need to open the ".BGL" file (or the ".ADT" file if there's no ".BGL" file) using a text editor like Notepad++ or a dedicated FSX Scenery Editor tool.
- Using a Text Editor: Open the ".BGL" file in a text editor. These files contain various airport details, including the placement of objects such as trees. You'll need to search for "tree" or "object" within the file to locate the relevant sections. Be careful, as directly editing these files can be intricate and requires knowledge of the FSX object library and coordinate system.
- Using FSX Scenery Editor: If you have access to a dedicated FSX Scenery Editor, open the ".BGL" file with it. This tool provides a graphical interface that allows you to select and delete objects, making it easier to remove trees from the airport scenery.
Remove the Trees: Once you've located the tree objects within the file, you can modify or remove their entries. This process will differ depending on the tool you're using:
- Text Editor: Locate the lines corresponding to the tree objects and delete or comment out those lines. Ensure you understand the file's syntax before making any changes.
- FSX Scenery Editor: Select the tree objects you want to remove and delete them using the tool's interface. This method provides a visual representation of the airport, making it easier to identify and remove specific tree objects.
Save and Reload the Scenery: After making your changes, save the file. Then, restart FSX to ensure your changes take effect. Launch the simulator, select the airport, and verify that the trees have been successfully removed.
Remember, always back up your original files before making any modifications, as incorrect edits can affect the simulator's performance or stability. Additionally, consider using the "Add-on Scenery" feature in FSX to create a separate folder for your modified airports, allowing you to easily enable or disable your edits without affecting the default scenery installation.
Airports in Richmond, VA: A Comprehensive Overview
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Excluding FSX default airports
Another approach is to start with a stock airport in ADE and then load the stock data, which includes buildings, navaids, and other features. From there, you can select or deselect specific objects and delete them. This method does not require the creation of exclusion rectangles. Additionally, you can set the display to "Extremely Dense" and then delete all the default buildings, though this may require additional steps to exclude library objects.
When porting over FS9 addon airports to FSX, it is important to consider compatibility issues. For example, the Freez Zurich airport for FS9 has layers for runways, aprons, and grass that are slightly above the airport base, which can cause issues when importing into FSX. In such cases, flattening techniques or tools like SBuilder, SceneGenX, ADE, or ExcBuilder may be considered, though specific solutions may vary depending on the specific airport and scenery.
It is worth noting that excluding default airports and scenery can be complex, and the success of these methods may vary depending on the specific circumstances and tools used. Referring to online forums and communities dedicated to flight simulation and airport design can provide further insights and guidance on troubleshooting specific issues.
BNA Airport: Unveiling the Mystery Behind Its Name
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Removing runways
If you want to remove a stock airport from the sim, you can follow these steps:
- Open the List > Approaches and delete them one by one, as multiple deletes are not currently supported.
- Open the Navaid and Waypoint List and delete as much as you can.
- Change the details of the airport in the FS airport list to indicate that it is not in use.
- Draw a polygon that cuts the edge of the airport background to remove the airport background polygon.
- If the airport has a fence, this will usually follow the background polygon.
- For a runway-only airport, create a polygon across the centre of the runway, extending outwards. When the Property Grid opens, select "Exclude Specific" as the Type and "Airport Background Flatten MaskClassMap Autogen" as the Tag.
- If you are using FS9, you will need to use SBuilder to remove the background, as ADE cannot do this.
- If the airport has ILS, you will need to decide how to handle it, depending on your goal for removing the airport.
Additionally, if you want to remove default airport buildings, you can set a shape poly "Airport Backgrounds Flatten AutoGen" to delete them. However, note that these are library objects placed within the airport bgl file, so they are not autogen. You can exclude them with a self-made library object exclude rectangle, but it is easier to let ADE handle it.
Furthermore, if you are having trouble with default aprons, taxiways, and the airfield itself, you may need to create an exclude or flatten file.
It is important to note that modifying stock airport files can be destructive, so it is recommended to only make changes if you are comfortable with the process and have the necessary backups in case anything goes wrong.
San Luis Obispo Airport: A Comprehensive Guide to SBP
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
You can eliminate an airport in FSX by using the Airport Editing tool within the program. This tool allows you to delete any airport in the simulator.
The Airport Editing tool can be found within the FSX menu under "Settings" and then "Scenery". From there, you can select "Edit Scenery" and choose the airport you want to eliminate.
When you eliminate an airport, the airport buildings, runways, and other associated scenery will be removed from the simulator. The area will revert to default terrain, and you can then choose to add new scenery or leave it as is.
Yes, you can restore an eliminated airport by using the "Restore Default Scenery" option within the Airport Editing tool. This will revert the changes and bring back the original airport scenery.
