FSX Heidelberg Airport Scenery

Immerse yourself in a meticulously crafted virtual rendition of Heidelberg Airport (FAHG), located southeast of Johannesburg. Featuring high-fidelity ground details, adjusted elevations for accurate terrain representation, and precise structural modeling, this freeware package enhances Microsoft Flight Simulator X with a realistic framework for every virtual pilot. Developed by Peter Dooley and Johan van Wyk, this scenery captures the local charm of the South African airfield, seamlessly integrating regional contours and landmarks.

Key Attributes of FAHG

This release accurately reflects the real-world surroundings of the Heidelberg region, an area known for its proximity to major Gauteng industrial zones. Photographic ground materials (sometimes referred to as photo-based textures) are included, offering clear visuals of aprons, hangars, and other structures. The airport sits among gently rolling terrain, making the approaches both visually appealing and technically engaging.

Terrain and Mesh Recommendations

To achieve the most accurate elevations, users are encouraged to enable the Aeroworx mesh series (FSXMesh0604 Parts 1-4 and FSXMESH0704 Parts 1-3). These specialized terrain files ensure smooth transitions around the local water features, leveled airfield surfaces, and properly aligned vector data. Other mesh sets may create slight discrepancies, such as raised embankments or sunken structures at ponds or reservoir edges.

Note: Previous Aeroworx mesh versions, including Version 1 and the updated Version 2, have been withdrawn or replaced by more recent compilations (for instance, FSXMesh0604_Part1.zip). This package aligns with those latest releases.

Installation Steps

1. Extract the contents of fsxWorx16.zip to a temporary directory. It is highly recommended to keep these Aeroworx scenery files organized for future updates.
2. Run fsxWorx16.exe, which will attempt to locate your simulator’s directory automatically. Follow each prompt in the self-extractor to place the files correctly.
3. Upon completion, two new folders—SASceneryFSX and AeroworxLC—will appear under your main Scenery folder, containing the required data for this airport and possibly upcoming expansions.
4. It is possible to install into a temporary folder first, inspect or re-arrange if needed, and then manually copy the resulting files to their designated locations. Keep in mind, subsequent updates will reference the default placement as structured by the installer.
5. If this is your initial Aeroworx scenery installation, load Microsoft Flight Simulator X, open the “Scenery Library,” choose “Add Area,” and direct the simulator to both SASceneryFSX and AeroworxLC. Once linked and saved, restart the simulation to enable the new scenery entries.

Development Tools

BLENDER

An open-source 3D creation suite, employed by the authors to model airport buildings and structures.

Microsoft Scenery SDK SP2

Software toolkit for integrating custom content into flight simulators.

Scenery Builder

Created by Luis Sá; used here to assemble scenery elements and terrain features.

Airport Design Editor

Offered by ScruffyDuck Software; responsible for runway, taxiway, and apron design.

Various digitizing and scanning utilities

Used to convert real-world maps and data into the digital formats required by the simulator.

Acknowledgments and Creators

The advanced detail and lifelike character of this Heidelberg Airport add-on owe their origins to:

• Peter Dooley
• Johan van Wyk

The ongoing Aeroworx project is also spearheaded by Johan van Wyk, whose expertise supports further scenery developments across South Africa.