Daytona Beach Int'l Airport

This free enhancement by Ray Smith refines key aspects of Daytona Beach International Airport (KDAB) for Microsoft Flight Simulator X. Its main objective is to offer an accurate layout, rectify existing taxiway geometry, and provide users with detailed parking assignments. Two versions are included to accommodate either the default runway usage or a crosswind runway setup that takes advantage of a special activation technique.

Visual Improvements and Ground Markings

By adjusting Taxiway W5, N8, N9, P8, and T, this modification ensures realistic alignment and labeling—synchronized with the actual airport layout in Florida’s Volusia County. You will also notice that signage across these routes has been meticulously corrected for precise ground navigation. Additionally, a dedicated helipad area has been integrated, further reflecting real-world operations within the airport’s premises.

Crosswind Runway Configuration

The second variant of this add-on activates the crosswind runway using a method introduced by Jim Vile. This approach uses a fictitious runway entry that prompts Microsoft Flight Simulator X’s engine to recognize and engage all three runways simultaneously for takeoffs and landings. Be aware that when listening to ATIS, this fictional runway description will be announced, which is an intentional outcome of driving the crosswind logic. If you prefer to avoid these extra details, you can simply use the standard version without crosswind functionality.

Ground Services and Infrastructure

Several refinements add immersion to ground-based operations. Additional fuel trucks have been enabled so that aircraft can easily receive fueling services, and support vehicle roads have been reworked for smoother vehicle traffic around the airport’s perimeter. These upgrades mimic real-world traffic flow, offering a more accurate depiction of maintenance and logistical movements.

Package Contents

KDAB_ADE_RS.BGL

A standard release with default runway assignments intact. Parking enhancements, sign corrections, and helipad add realism without triggering crosswind runway usage.

KDAB_ADE_CW_RS.BGL

An alternate solution that includes full crosswind runway activation. It enables all runways for simultaneous operations while introducing the artificial ATIS entries mentioned above.

Installation Instructions

1. Choose one of the included BGL files (either crosswind-enabled or standard).
2. Copy the selected file to your “Addon Scenery/scenery” directory within your Microsoft Flight Simulator X installation folder.
3. Launch FSX, and the changes should immediately be visible.

• Important Note: Ensure you only keep a single KDAB.BGL file active. Having multiple KDAB BGL files in the same folder can lead to duplicate parking or misaligned runways.

Removal Guidelines

1. Delete (or move) the installed KDAB.BGL file from the “Addon Scenery/scenery” directory.
2. Restart FSX, and the default layout for Daytona Beach International Airport will automatically be restored.

Recognition

This project could not have been completed without:

• Ray Smith – Main creator of this enhancement.
• Jon Masterson – Developer of the Airport Design Editor (ADE) tool, used to craft the airport geometry.
• Jim Vile – Originator of the crosswind runway activation concept integrated into this add-on.

Extra Tower View Tip

If you enter tower view and wish to look around freely, configure a command in your controls for View track/pan Toggle. By pressing that key or button, you can pan 360 degrees from the viewpoint on top of the airport’s control tower. Pressing it again lets you return focus to the user aircraft. This approach offers an immersive observation capability over Daytona Beach International Airport’s operations.

Have a pleasant flight around the Sunshine State and enjoy the upgraded layout!