Zurich Airport

Upgrade your virtual flights into Switzerland’s bustling aviation hub with this freeware package developed by Ray Smith. Dedicated to Microsoft Flight Simulator X, this modification is designed for Zurich Airport (LSZH) and offers two distinct configurations: one enabling crosswind runways and one keeping them inactive. Each layout delivers enhanced realism through carefully revised parking, refined vehicle access, and additional ground handling assets.

Detailed Improvements for LSZH

Runway Layout: Two .BGL files are included. The “FSX_lszh_cw.BGL” option engages all three runways for simultaneous operations (referred to as crosswind takeoffs or landings). The “FSX_lszh.BGL” file retains a more conventional flow of traffic, and parking setups remain consistent in both variations.

Taxiway and Vehicle Updates: Ground support routes have been meticulously rebuilt for more logical service vehicle circulation, with extra fuel trucks added for a busier yet organized environment. These adjustments make taxi and fueling procedures smoother when maneuvering large airliners or light aircraft.

Authentic Zurich Atmosphere

As one of Europe’s preeminent airports, Zurich (officially Flughafen Zürich) ranks among Switzerland’s primary gateways. Positioned north of the city, it offers a scenic approach framed by the Swiss landscape. Real-world aircraft movements often utilize multiple runway configurations to manage heavy traffic, and this scenery attempts to reflect similar patterns—especially noticeable when crosswind activity influences flight procedures.

Compatibility and Testing

This scenery works with the default airport in Microsoft Flight Simulator X and has been thoroughly checked with Ultimate Traffic and WOAI. These traffic programs are not mandatory but can enhance immersion. The mod has been compiled using ADE by Jon Masterson, along with Microsoft’s SDK Compiler, ensuring full integration and stable performance when installed appropriately.

Important Notes on Selection

• Only use one .BGL file at any given moment. Make sure to remove or deactivate any previous versions named similarly to lszh.BGL to avoid conflicts.
• When using the FSX_lszh_cw.BGL file, ATIS may reference “fake runways.” This audio callout is part of the crosswind runway activation technique first introduced by Jim Vile. If it becomes distracting, switch to the FSX_lszh.BGL option.

Installation Steps

1. Select either “FSX_lszh.BGL” or “FSX_lszh_cw.BGL,” depending on your preferred runway usage.
2. Move the chosen file into your Flight Simulator X/Addon Scenery/Scenery folder.
3. Launch Microsoft Flight Simulator X, and the new airport layout should appear automatically.

Removal Procedure

1. Delete the selected .BGL file to revert to the original scenery.

Viewing Tip from the Tower

To explore the airport from a full 360° viewpoint, assign a keyboard or controller button to the “View track/pan Toggle” feature in your simulator’s control settings. When in tower mode at LSZH, toggle this control to look around without moving the viewpoint from the tower’s location.

Acknowledgments

This project is possible thanks to Ray Smith’s dedication to scenery enhancements, the ADE tool by Jon Masterson, and Microsoft Flight Simulator X. Enjoy your flights with the expanded runway flexibility and refined ground operations at Zurich Airport.