Tucson International Airport

This carefully crafted expansion enriches Tucson International Airport (KTUS) within Microsoft Flight Simulator X by refining scenery elements, adding new gates, and enabling crosswind runway functionality. Created by Ray Smith, it modernizes a pivotal airfield in Arizona and ensures a realistic experience for sim pilots seeking authentic approaches, parking, and ground operations.

Technical Add-On Features

Ray Smith has meticulously developed two distinct BGL files. Each one is integrated using the latest Airport Design Editor (ADE) version 1.26 for Microsoft Flight Simulator X. These enhancements introduce:

• Properly assigned gate allocations and additional ramp parking.
• Animated jet bridges that operate as they would at real-world terminals.
• Enhanced ground support vehicles and fuel truck pathways.
• An updated control tower model and refined visual elements.
• Optional crosswind runway activation for all three runways.

The Airport Environment

Tucson International is a key airfield in southern Arizona, serving both commercial flights and occasional military traffic. It sits in Pima County, surrounded by desert terrain and mountain vistas. The crosswind runway layout helps manage local wind conditions effectively and accommodates heavier traffic volumes. With this add-on, simmers can appreciate more realistic gate distribution and ramp operations, reflecting the airport’s real-world functionality.

Choosing Your Configuration

Two BGL files are provided for flexibility. The first file (KTUS_ADE_CW_RS.BGL) activates a crosswind runway, ensuring all three runways manage departures and arrivals. However, using this version causes ATIS broadcasts to mention “fake” runways—this is an intended trick that allows crosswind runway operations, a technique pioneered by Jim Vile. Alternatively, the second file (KTUS_ADE_RS.BGL) retains the standard runway layout without the crosswind feature.

Installation Instructions

1. Pick the BGL file you prefer and drop it into your Flight Simulator X “Addon Scenery/scenery” directory.
2. Start Microsoft Flight Simulator X and load KTUS to view the new layout.

• Important: Only one KTUS BGL file should be active at any time. Remove or rename others to avoid conflicts.

Removal Steps

1. Delete the chosen BGL file from the “Addon Scenery/scenery” folder.
2. The simulator will revert to the default Tucson International Airport layout.

Developer Credits and Tools

Ray Smith designed the airport modifications, ensuring accurate gate numbering and advanced scenery details. This add-on relies on Airport Design Editor created by Jon Masterson. The crosswind runway functionality uses the method developed by Jim Vile, allowing KTUS to handle additional parallel operations.

Control Tower Viewing Tips

When positioned in the tower view, you can unlock camera movement by assigning a key or controller button to the “View track/pan Toggle.” By pressing that assignment, you can freely pan around the airfield to examine parked aircraft, runway alignments, and overall ground traffic flow. Press the toggle again to align the camera with your current aircraft position.

Enjoy the elevated realism afforded by these Tucson International Airport enhancements from Ray Smith, and continue exploring everything Arizona has to offer in your simulation adventures.