FSX Lambert-St. Louis Airport Scenery

Lambert–St. Louis International Airport (KSTL) in Missouri is a significant aviation hub with deep historical roots, once known as the primary base for several major carriers. This scenery package, created by Ray Smith, upgrades the airport for Microsoft Flight Simulator X by integrating the latest runway layout, accurate taxi path configurations, and specialized crosswind operations. It includes multiple installation files that enable you to choose between distinct operational setups, ensuring a customizable experience for any virtual pilot looking to enhance realism at KSTL.

Key Add-On Components

Runway and Taxiway Updates
This scenery set adds the new Runway 11/29, bringing it in line with present-day airport charts. All associated taxi signs reflect current plates, while extra attention has been invested in detailing support vehicle routes to heighten immersion. By including clearly marked parking positions, you can expect easier gate assignments that better replicate real-world procedures.

Crosswind Functionality
One version of the included files leverages Jim Vile’s crosswind runway activation technique (further refined by Ray Smith), allowing you to operate with four fully functional runways. This approach helps distribute traffic across all available asphalt, particularly beneficial for simmers who prefer busier skies and authentic spacing management during takeoffs and landings.

Vehicle Placement
The revised airport layout accommodates designated parking bays, extra fuel trucks for quicker turnarounds, and realistic service pathways that keep ground vehicles on logically assigned routes. These elements reinforce the operational complexity that many flight simulation enthusiasts seek when replicating actual airport traffic flows.

Included BGL Files

KSTL_ADE_RS.BGL

Standard runway operation, featuring three parallel runways in active use.

KSTL_ADE_CW_RS.BGL

Crosswind runway version, where all four runways function for simultaneous departures and arrivals.

KSTL_ADE_CVX.bgl

Removes autogen objects (such as trees and buildings) from newly added runway and taxiway areas.

KSTL_ADE_OBJ.BGL

Adds custom scenery objects across the airport environment.

Important: File Usage Guidance

Keep only one “KSTL_RS.BGL” variant in your Addon Scenery/scenery folder at any given time—either the crosswind build or the standard layout. However, always include the “KSTL_ADE_CVX.bgl” file for proper terrain clearing. The “KSTL_ADE_OBJ.BGL” must also remain active so that custom objects appear in the sim.

Installation Steps

1. Copy one of the RS BGL files (KSTL_ADE_RS.BGL or KSTL_ADE_CW_RS.BGL) and the KSTL_ADE_CVX.bgl into your “Addon Scenery/scenery” directory.
2. Place KSTL_ADE_OBJ.BGL into “Scenery/Global/scenery.”
3. Launch Microsoft Flight Simulator X to see the transformations at KSTL.

Note: If you tune to ATIS using the crosswind setup, you may hear references to non-standard (fake) runways—an unavoidable side effect of enabling all runway options simultaneously.

Removal Instructions

Deleting or removing all the BGL files instantly restores the default KSTL airport scenery. Make certain no additional (older) KSTL BGL remains in the folder to avoid conflicts.

Acknowledgments

This customized airport layout was designed using ADE (by Jon Masterson), with crosswind operation concepts derived from Jim Vile’s method. Developer Ray Smith extends gratitude to these creators and thanks his wife for her patience during the many hours of development.

Extra Tip for Tower Viewing

To enjoy a 360-degree panning perspective from the control tower, assign a keyboard or controller shortcut to the “View track/pan Toggle.” When activated, you can pivot the camera around the airport. Pressing the shortcut again resets the viewpoint to the user aircraft.

Enjoy this refined scenery of Lambert–St. Louis International Airport, and have fun exploring the improved layouts and dynamic runway operations!

By Ray Smith