Learn how to enter GPS waypoints in FSX with Flight Planner or Direct-To, load multi-leg routes, and fix missing or inactive waypoints.
In FSX and FSX: Steam Edition, enter multiple GPS waypoints through the built-in Flight Planner or the default GPS 500's FPL page. For a single destination, use Direct-To. Enter database identifiers—not place names—confirm the matching facility, and make sure the required leg is active before expecting GPS or autopilot guidance.
| Method | Best used for | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Flight Planner | Building and saving a complete route | Limited to points recognised by FSX or placed on its map |
| GPS FPL page | Inserting a database waypoint while in the cockpit | Slow to operate with mouse-controlled knobs |
| Direct-To | Flying immediately to one airport, VOR, NDB or intersection | Bypasses normal flight-plan sequencing |
How do I add multiple waypoints to an FSX flight plan?
The built-in Flight Planner is the simplest way to create a multi-waypoint route and load it into the stock GPS.
- Open Flight Planner: use Flights > Flight Planner. Press Alt first if the menu bar is hidden in full-screen mode.
- Select the endpoints: choose the departure and destination airports, then select VFR or IFR as appropriate.
- Generate the route: choose Direct GPS for an initial straight route, or an airway or VOR-based option when you want FSX to generate intermediate fixes.
- Add intermediate waypoints: open the route-editing map, zoom in and drag the route line onto the required airport, VOR, NDB or intersection. Check the waypoint list after every addition; tightly grouped symbols are easy to confuse.
- Save and load it: save the plan and accept it in Flight Planner. If FSX asks whether to move the aircraft to the departure airport, choose No when you are already positioned or flying.
- Check the GPS: open the GPS and press FPL. The route should appear in order, with the active leg highlighted.
For the planner's route types, map controls and loading process, see our step-by-step guide to building an FSX flight plan.
Can I enter a waypoint directly on the GPS FPL page?
The stock GPS 500 can insert a recognised database waypoint into the active flight plan without reopening Flight Planner.
- Open the GPS from Views > Instrument Panel > GPS. Shift+3 opens it in many default aircraft, although custom panels may use another assignment.
- Press FPL to display the active flight plan.
- Press the right-hand knob marked CRSR to activate the cursor.
- Use the large outer knob to highlight the insertion position. Select an existing waypoint to insert before it, or the blank line at the end to append one.
- Use the small inner knob to choose each character and the large knob to move between character positions.
- Press ENT, verify the facility name and type, then confirm it.
Use the identifier stored in FSX, such as an airport ICAO code or an intersection name. Entering a town, airport display name or modern identifier that is absent from the simulator's database will not work. Changes made on the FPL page affect the active route; do not assume they have also updated the saved .PLN file.
How do I use Direct-To for one GPS waypoint?
Direct-To creates immediate guidance from the aircraft's present position to one selected database waypoint.
- Open the GPS and press the Direct-To button, normally marked
D→. - Enter the airport, VOR, NDB or intersection identifier using the right-hand knobs.
- Press ENT and check that the displayed facility is the one you intended.
- Confirm Activate, pressing ENT again if the GPS requests it.
A mistake we see constantly is using Direct-To when the intention was to append a waypoint to the route. Direct-To activates a new leg and bypasses ordinary flight-plan sequencing; use the FPL page or Flight Planner when the new point must form part of the saved route.
Can I enter latitude and longitude into the FSX GPS?
Coordinates cannot be typed into the normal Direct-To identifier field because that field searches FSX's navigation database.
For an arbitrary position, place a user waypoint through the Flight Planner map or use a compatible coordinate-based flight-plan method. Exact handling differs between the stock gauge and add-on avionics, so follow our explanation of entering latitude and longitude as simulator waypoints rather than treating coordinates as an airport identifier.
Why is my waypoint missing or not becoming active?
A missing waypoint usually means that its identifier is not present in FSX's ageing navigation database or that the loaded aircraft uses different avionics.
- Check the identifier in FSX: use the simulator's map rather than assuming a code from a modern chart exists in the legacy database.
- Confirm the facility type: similarly named airports, VORs, NDBs and intersections can produce an unintended match.
- Inspect the active leg: if the selected leg points behind the aircraft, activate the intended next leg or use Direct-To for that fix.
- Check custom avionics: an add-on GPS or FMC may not import the stock FSX flight plan automatically.
Database discrepancies and scenery changes are covered in our checks for missing FSX GPS and Flight Planner waypoints.
Does entering a waypoint make the autopilot follow it?
Entering or activating a GPS waypoint supplies guidance, but it does not automatically engage the autopilot.
In a typical default aircraft, set the navigation source selector to GPS and engage NAV mode after confirming the correct leg is active. Glass cockpits and add-on aircraft may use a CDI or source selector instead. If the route is visible but the aircraft will not turn towards it, work through our GPS and NAV autopilot troubleshooting checks.