AFCAD File For FACT

Cape Town International Airport (FACT) ranks among South Africa’s busiest gateways for both domestic and intercontinental flights. This freeware modification by Ray Smith enhances the default layout in Microsoft Flight Simulator X and introduces a more accurate depiction of the airport’s multiple taxiways, parking spots, and ground vehicle paths. It also offers optional crosswind runway functionality, so enthusiasts can immerse themselves in parallel operations. Below is a detailed explanation of key files, supported features, and setup instructions.

Highlighted Airport Modifications

In reality, Cape Town International features two principal runways, with Runway 16/34 used sparingly. However, if an alternate configuration unlocks more flexible traffic flow, then users may optionally enable simultaneous arrivals and departures on separate runways. The add-on achieves these improvements through ADE (Airport Design Editor) files, carefully designed to integrate seamlessly with the default airport while adding new parking assignments and refined signage.

ADE BGL Files Provided

FACT_ADE_RS.BGL

Replicates standard runway operations, similar to the simulator’s default behavior.

FACT_ADE_CW_RS.BGL

Implements crosswind runway activation, allowing Runway 16/34 to be utilized alongside the main runway for takeoffs and landings.

FACT_ADE_CVX.BGL

Removes intrusive autogen elements in the Heli, Excujet, and Thunder City ramp areas, ensuring unobstructed parking.

FACT_ADE_OBJ.BGL

Adds placement data for custom scenery objects around the airport. It must be positioned in the correct folder to display properly.

Setup and Installation Workflow

1. Place FACT_ADE_RS.BGL or FACT_ADE_CW_RS.BGL (choose only one) together with FACT_ADE_CVX.BGL into the “Addon Scenery/scenery” directory of Flight Simulator X.
2. Move FACT_ADE_OBJ.BGL into “Scenery/Global/scenery” for object visibility.
3. If viewing jetway extensions is desired, extract the jfk_jetway.dds and jfk_jetway_LM.dds textures from “Scenery/NAME/Texture,” then paste them into “Scenery/Global/Texture.”
4. Ensure no conflicting BGL for FACT exists in any AI traffic add-on or third-party scenery that may interfere with parking allocations.

• Tip: Enable crosswind operations by using FACT_ADE_CW_RS.BGL, but note that fake runways will be announced on ATIS broadcasts. To avoid these extra calls, stick with FACT_ADE_RS.BGL.
• Important: Only use one main FACT RS file (either the crosswind version or the standard layout) alongside the CVX file. Remove any other BGL files for FACT to prevent double entries.

Uninstallation

1. Simply remove the four BGL files to restore the default airport included with the simulator.

Acknowledgments and Special Thanks

Ray Smith created these improved airport files, while Jon Masterson’s ADE Utility (freeware) facilitated the design process. Appreciation also goes to Sebastian Kilb for resources and imagery that guided accurate placement of new details in the terminal and ramp areas. Jim Vile contributed the crosswind activation technique, which helps enhance runway usage. Gratitude is likewise extended to Ray Smith’s wife for supporting the many hours invested in this project.

For improved tower perspectives, map a custom control to “View track/pan Toggle” in the simulator settings, then pan the camera to assess the full airport grounds. Hitting the designated key again centers the view on the user aircraft. This method works especially well when evaluating new terminal positions or scanning the newly added ground vehicle routes.

Enjoy more realistic ground traffic flows and expanded runway capabilities, and experience Cape Town’s unique geography from the tower view. This file set, authored by Ray Smith, is offered freely to the simulation community. Safe flying around the iconic Southern African coastline!