FSX Albany International Airport Scenery

Upgrade your simulation environment with an enriched representation of Albany International Airport (KALB) in New York. This freeware release, created by Ray Smith, refines the default airport found in FSX, incorporating refined taxiway alignments, reconfigured support vehicle paths, additional parking, and a lengthened Runway 1/19. Moreover, it arranges an optional crosswind runway activation that enables simultaneous departures and arrivals on multiple runways. Below, see all the technical specifics and tips for optimal use.

Features That Transform the Airport Layout

• Revised Taxiways: Updated ground markings and taxi signs for enhanced clarity on each route.
• Extended Runway 1/19: A lengthened runway configuration, ideal for more takeoff and landing flexibility.
• Crosswind Runway Option: A separate file activates Runway 1/19 in tandem with the main runway for simultaneous operations.
• Fresh Parking Assignments: Additional spots and improved traffic handling for both user aircraft and AI traffic.
• Advanced Support Vehicle Routing: Realigned roads that keep service vehicles separated from active runway areas.
• New Control Tower: Incorporates a custom visual vantage point from the top of the tower in “Tower View.”

Key BGL Files and Their Purposes

KALB_ADE_RS.BGL

Uses the standard runway operation without crosswind activation.

KALB_ADE_CW_RS.BGL

Activates the crosswind runway, enabling dual runway operations for takeoff and landing.

KALB_ADE_CVX.bgl

Removes Autogen around the extended portions of the runway. This should remain active no matter which file you choose.

KALB_ADE_OBJ.BGL

Adds scenery objects. Always required for complete functionality.

Performance Notes

When running ATIS with KALB_ADE_CW_RS.BGL, an extra “fake runway” message may be heard. This is a known effect utilized to enable non-parallel runway operations, but it will not harm functionality. If you prefer not to hear it, use the default operational file (KALB_ADE_RS.BGL) instead.

Installation Instructions

1. Copy either KALB_ADE_RS.BGL or KALB_ADE_CW_RS.BGL alongside KALB_ADE_CVX.bgl into the Addon Scenery/scenery folder within Flight Simulator X.
2. Place the file KALB_ADE_OBJ.BGL in the Scenery/Global/scenery folder of FSX.
3. Launch FSX, and the updated airport layout should appear.

Note: Only one RS.BGL file can be active at a time. Make sure you do not have multiple KALB files in the Addon Scenery/scenery folder that might cause conflicts.

Removing the Add-On

Simply delete or remove the installed BGL files. The default FSX scenery for Albany International will then take effect again.

Additional Guidance

If you use the Tower View at KALB, try assigning a keyboard or joystick button to “View track/pan Toggle.” This allows panning around the airport from the control tower perspective. Pressing your assigned key or button once unlocks your viewpoint, while pressing it again returns you to your aircraft.

Special Acknowledgments

• Ray Smith, the mastermind behind this enhanced layout.
• ADE Utility (freeware) by Jon Masterson, used for the airport design edits.
• Jim Vile’s crosswind runway activation technique, enabling multiple runway operations.
• Ray Smith’s wife, for supporting all the hours of development that made this possible.

Enjoy the revised immersion at Albany International, and happy flying!

—Ray