AFCAD File For CYYC

Elevate your virtual flying around Alberta with this freeware modification for Calgary International Airport (CYYC) in Microsoft Flight Simulator X. Its enhanced layout, developed by Ray Smith with ADE (Airport Design Editor), refines ground operations, runway use, and overall realism for one of Canada’s most significant aviation hubs. Calgary International is known for serving millions of passengers each year and features expansive terminal buildings, extensive cargo aprons, and multi-runway approaches that often handle diverse weather conditions on the Canadian Prairies.

Enhanced Runway and Facility Setup

This add-on introduces a new control tower, illuminated helipad, rebuilt support vehicle paths, and carefully assigned gates for airliners, allowing for more accurate airline parking. Multiple fuel trucks are also included for ramp service realism, and the airport’s internal service roads have been revised to facilitate smoother vehicle traffic. From the in-simulator tower view, flight sim enthusiasts may also enjoy a vantage point resembling an actual ATC perspective.

Multiple Configuration Files

The package provides three BGL files for different operational preferences:

CYYC_ADE_RS.BGL

Follows the default runway usage pattern in FSX, adhering to the original airport flow.

CYYC_ADE_CW_RS.BGL

Activates crosswind operations, enabling all three runways to operate simultaneously for takeoff and landing.

CYYC_ADE_OBJ.BGL

Enables dynamic objects, including refined visual elements such as the upgraded control tower and additional vehicles.

Choosing Your Runway Operation

Sim pilots can select how they wish to run Calgary International by installing just one of the two runway configuration files at a time. For crosswind practices, the CYYC_ADE_CW_RS file treats all runways as active, addressing westbound and eastbound traffic simultaneously. If you prefer the standard runway assignments, choose CYYC_ADE_RS for a layout aligned with typical flight operations. Both share the same gate and ramp parking strategy, ensuring consistent airline slot usage.

Installation Steps

1. Pick your desired runway file (either CYYC_ADE_CW_RS.BGL or CYYC_ADE_RS.BGL) and drop it into your “Addon Scenery/scenery” folder.
2. Place the CYYC_ADE_OBJ.BGL file into “Scenery/Global/scenery” to load custom tower and ground objects.
3. Restart the simulator so that Microsoft Flight Simulator X can read these changes during startup.

• Important: Only keep one runway operation file (CYYC_ADE_RS.BGL or CYYC_ADE_CW_RS.BGL) active inside your scenery folder at a time to avoid conflicting data.
• If you are using any AI traffic add-ons, ensure they do not supply an existing AFCAD for Calgary International, as duplicate AFCAD layers can produce unwanted parking issues and runway misassignments.
• When running the crosswind edition, the ATIS (Automatic Terminal Information Service) may mention artificial runways along with official ones. This method ensures all runways become active, so ignore any fictional runway numbers if you prefer full three-runway concurrency.

Reversion to Default Layout

In case you need to revert, just remove these BGL files from the folders mentioned above. The stock Calgary International layout for FSX will immediately take effect afterward.

Special thanks to Ray Smith for creating this airport enhancement and sharing it with the flight simulation community. This modification combines practical improvements, such as expanded gate parking, with immersive touches like realistic vehicle movements, providing a more authentic environment for sim aviators who frequent western Canada.