Brussels National Airport

Brussels National Airport (EBBR) in Belgium is a major passenger hub that accommodates numerous European and intercontinental flights. This freeware add-on by Ray Smith updates and refines the default airport within Microsoft Flight Simulator X. It introduces enhanced runway operations, refined vehicle paths, and multiple other improvements that cater to those who regularly fly in and out of EBBR. Two distinct configurations are provided, allowing you to choose between a crosswind runway setup or a more conventional layout without it.

Unique Enhancements in This Package

Operational Flexibility: You will receive two BGLs. One BGL activates a crosswind runway so that all three runways function simultaneously for departures and arrivals. The second BGL retains a single primary runway setup for a traditional scenario.

Terminal and Facilities: The satellite Terminal C is now decommissioned in accordance with real-world changes, and dedicated standing slots have been extended or reassigned for more accurate parking. The updated support vehicle roads optimize ground traffic movement, improving realism during ground handling operations.

Ground Services and Infrastructure: With extra fuel trucks on standby and a newly added helipad, this update suits various aircraft categories, from helicopters to heavier airliners. The improvements also sync with AI traffic solutions (like Ultimate Traffic or WOAI), although no external add-on is strictly required.

Tower View Perspective: An enhanced tower viewpoint has been positioned at the rooftop of the control tower, near the end of Pier A. This vantage point adds a more immersive feel for users who enjoy monitoring apron activity and runway operations while in tower view.

Two Distinct BGL Files

FSX_ebbr.BGL: Operates without crosswind runway settings, keeping runway assignments conventional.

FSX_ebbr_cw.BGL: Employs the (Xwind technique) pioneered by Jim Vile, enabling multiple runway usage for both takeoff and landing. Be aware that ATIS communications may call out additional “fake” runways due to this crosswind feature, which is standard for this method.

• Only install one of these files at a time to avoid conflicting definitions.

Structured Installation Steps

1. Open your main Addon Scenery folder, then locate the Scenery directory inside.
2. Choose either FSX_ebbr.BGL or FSX_ebbr_cw.BGL and move it into the above Scenery directory.
3. Launch Microsoft Flight Simulator X, and you should see the updated airport features immediately.

Removal Process

1. Navigate to your Addon Scenery ? Scenery folder.
2. Delete the BGL file associated with this add-on. Once removed, the simulator automatically reverts to the original EBBR default layout.

Additional Tower View Tip

To unlock and freely pan while in tower view, configure a key binding for “View track/pan Toggle.” This function lets you rotate 360° around the airport environment using your view controls, then re-center on your aircraft by toggling the assigned button or keystroke again.

Technical Tools and Credits

Ray Smith created these files using the freeware ADE (Airport Design Editor) from Jon Masterson, along with the Software Development Kit (SDK) from Microsoft. The crosswind runway feature is based on Jim Vile’s technique. Together, these tools enabled the modification of default BGL files to meet higher fidelity standards at Brussels National Airport.

Enjoy exploring Brussels National Airport with this custom setup, and experience all the new ground services, runway options, and traffic flows it brings.