What is AIRAC and why do you need it?
If you are a flight simulation enthusiast, you probably want to have the most realistic and immersive experience possible. You want to fly with accurate and up-to-date navigation data, such as waypoints, navaids, airways, procedures, airports, airspaces, etc. You want to follow the same routes and instructions as real-world pilots and air traffic controllers. You want to avoid any discrepancies or errors that could affect your flight planning or execution.
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But how do you ensure that your flight simulator has the latest and most comprehensive navigation data available? How do you keep up with the constant changes in the aviation industry? How do you avoid conflicts or confusion with other users or online networks?
The answer is AIRAC. In this article, we will explain what AIRAC is, how it works, what are its advantages, how to download it for your flight simulator, and how to use it in your flight simulation. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of AIRAC and why you need it.
What is AIRAC?
AIRAC stands for Aeronautical Information Regulation And Control. It is a system that defines a series of common dates and an associated standard aeronautical information publication procedure for States so that, for both efficiency and safety, pilots, dispatchers, air traffic controllers, air traffic flow managers, flight management systems and aeronautical charts all have the same information working from the same information base.
AIRAC is based on the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 15 on Aeronautical Information Services (AIS), which specifies that important changes in aeronautical information should be maintained by a predetermined production schedule. The schedule of internationally agreed AIRAC effective dates for the years 2020 to 2029 is given in this table:
AIRAC Cycle
Publication Date
Effective Date
2101
03 DEC 2020
28 JAN 2021
2102
31 DEC 2020
25 FEB 2021
2103
28 JAN 2021
25 MAR 2021
2104
25 FEB 2021
22 APR 2021
2105
25 MAR 2021
20 MAY 2021
2106
22 APR 2021
17 JUN 2021
2107
20 MAY 2021
15 JUL 2021
2108
17 JUN 2021
12 AUG 2021
2109
15 JUL 2021
09 SEP 2021
2110
12 AUG 2021
07 OCT 2021
2111
09 SEP 2021
04 NOV 2021
2112
07 OCT 2021
02 DEC 2021
2113
04 NOV 2021
30 DEC 2021
...
The AIRAC system covers all aeronautical information objects (AIOs) that are essential for flight operations, such as airports, runways, taxiways, aprons, navaids, airways, waypoints, airspace boundaries, air traffic services (ATS) routes, instrument flight procedures (IFPs), minimum altitudes, obstacles, etc. These AIOs are subject to changes due to various reasons, such as construction, maintenance, safety, efficiency, environmental impact, etc. The AIRAC system ensures that these changes are published and distributed in a timely and coordinated manner to all users of aeronautical information.How does AIRAC work?
The AIRAC system works by dividing the year into 13 cycles of 28 days each. Each cycle has a publication date and an effective date. The publication date is the date when the aeronautical information providers (AIPs), such as States, regions, or organizations, publish the changes in their aeronautical information products (AIPs), such as charts, manuals, databases, etc. The effective date is the date when the changes become effective and must be used by the users of aeronautical information.
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What is AIRAC and why is it important for flight simulation
What is the difference between AIRAC and navdata
What is the difference between AIRAC and charts
What is the difference between AIRAC and procedures
What is the difference between AIRAC and waypoints
The publication date is always at least 42 days before the effective date. This allows enough time for the users to receive, process, and implement the changes in their systems and operations. The effective date is always on a Thursday and coincides with the first day of the International NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) Series. A NOTAM is a message that contains information concerning the establishment, condition or change in any aeronautical facility, service, procedure or hazard. NOTAMs are used to notify users of any changes that are not included in the AIRAC cycle or that occur between two AIRAC cycles.
The AIRAC cycle number consists of four digits: the first two digits indicate the year and the last two digits indicate the cycle within that year. For example, AIRAC cycle 2106 means the sixth cycle of the year 2021. The AIRAC cycle number is used to identify the version of the aeronautical information products that contain the changes for that cycle. For example, if you see a chart with the label "AIRAC AMDT 2106", it means that the chart has been amended with the changes from AIRAC cycle 2106.What are the advantages of using AIRAC?
The main advantage of using AIRAC is that it enhances the safety and efficiency of flight operations by providing updated and accurate navigation data. By using AIRAC, you can avoid potential hazards or conflicts caused by outdated or incorrect data. You can also optimize your flight performance and fuel consumption by following the most suitable routes and procedures based on current data.
Another advantage of using AIRAC is that it improves the compatibility and interoperability of flight simulation systems and addons. By using AIRAC, you can ensure that your simulator and addons have the same navigation data as other users or online networks, such as VATSIM or IVAO. This way, you can avoid any discrepancies or confusion that could affect your online communication or coordination. You can also enjoy a more realistic and immersive flight simulation experience by using the same data as real-world pilots and controllers.How to download AIRAC for your flight simulator?
Now that you know what AIRAC is and why you need it, you may wonder how to download it for your flight simulator. The process of downloading AIRAC is not very complicated, but it requires some steps and sources that we will explain in this section. Here is an overview of the steps:
Choose a provider for AIRAC data
Install the software for updating AIRAC data
Select the addons or simulators to update
Download and install the latest AIRAC cycle
Let's go through each step in detail.Choose a provider for AIRAC data
The first step is to choose a provider for AIRAC data. A provider is an entity that collects, processes, and distributes AIRAC data for flight simulation purposes. There are different providers available, each with its own features, prices, and coverage. Some of the most popular providers are:
Navigraph: Navigraph is one of the leading providers of AIRAC data for flight simulation. Navigraph offers a subscription service that gives you access to the latest AIRAC cycles, as well as charts, manuals, simbrief integration, and other features. Navigraph covers over 9,000 airports worldwide and supports over 120 addons and simulators, including Microsoft Flight Simulator, Prepar3D, X-Plane, FSX, etc. Navigraph charges 8.30 per month or 74.90 per year for its subscription service.
NavBlue: NavBlue is another provider of AIRAC data for flight simulation. NavBlue is part of Airbus and provides official Airbus navigation data for flight simulation. NavBlue offers a pay-per-cycle service that gives you access to the latest AIRAC cycles for selected addons and simulators. NavBlue covers over 7,000 airports worldwide and supports over 40 addons and simulators, including Microsoft Flight Simulator, Prepar3D, X-Plane, FSX, etc. NavBlue charges 9.90 per cycle or 99.00 per year for its service.
AeroNavMap: AeroNavMap is a free provider of AIRAC data for flight simulation. AeroNavMap is a web-based application that allows you to download and install the latest AIRAC cycles for selected addons and simulators. AeroNavMap covers over 5,000 airports worldwide and supports over 20 addons and simulators, including Microsoft Flight Simulator, Prepar3D, X-Plane, FSX, etc. AeroNavMap does not charge anything for its service.
There are other providers available, such as Aerosoft, Jeppesen, LIDO, etc., but they are either more expensive or less comprehensive than the ones mentioned above. You can choose the provider that best suits your needs and budget.Install the software for updating AIRAC data
The second step is to install the software for updating AIRAC data. The software is a tool that allows you to download and install the latest AIRAC cycles from your chosen provider to your addons or simulators. The software also helps you to manage your subscriptions, settings, preferences, etc.
The software you need depends on the provider you choose. For example, if you choose Navigraph as your provider, you need to install Navigraph Navdata Center or Navigraph FMS Data Manager. If you choose NavBlue as your provider , you need to install NavBlue Charts Desktop or NavBlue Charts Cloud. If you choose AeroNavMap as your provider, you need to install AeroNavMap Desktop or AeroNavMap Web.
The installation process is usually simple and straightforward. You just need to download the software from the provider's website, run the installer, and follow the instructions. You may also need to create an account and log in with your credentials to access the service.Select the addons or simulators to update
The third step is to select the addons or simulators to update. The addons or simulators are the applications or programs that you use for flight simulation, such as Microsoft Flight Simulator, Prepar3D, X-Plane, FSX, etc. The addons or simulators may also include specific aircraft, scenery, weather, traffic, etc. that enhance your flight simulation experience.
The selection process depends on the software you use. For example, if you use Navigraph Navdata Center, you can see a list of all the compatible addons or simulators on the main screen. You can select the ones you want to update by clicking on the checkboxes next to them. If you use Navigraph FMS Data Manager, you can scan your computer for installed addons or simulators and add them to the list. You can also manually add or remove addons or simulators by using the buttons on the toolbar.
The selection process also depends on the provider you choose. For example, if you choose Navigraph as your provider, you can update almost any addon or simulator that supports AIRAC data. If you choose NavBlue as your provider, you can only update selected addons or simulators that are compatible with NavBlue data. If you choose AeroNavMap as your provider, you can only update a few addons or simulators that are supported by AeroNavMap data.
The selection process is important because it determines which addons or simulators will receive the latest AIRAC cycle from your chosen provider. You should select all the addons or simulators that you use regularly or frequently for flight simulation. You should also make sure that the addons or simulators are compatible with each other and with your provider's data.Download and install the latest AIRAC cycle
The fourth and final step is to download and install the latest AIRAC cycle. The download and installation process is usually easy and fast. You just need to use the software to connect to your provider's server and download the latest AIRAC cycle for your selected addons or simulators. The software will then install the AIRAC cycle automatically to your addons or simulators.
The download and installation process may vary slightly depending on the software you use. For example, if you use Navigraph Navdata Center, you can see a button that says "Update all" on the main screen. You can click on this button to download and install the latest AIRAC cycle for all your selected addons or simulators. If you use Navigraph FMS Data Manager, you can see a button that says "Update" on each addon or simulator on the list. You can click on this button to download and install the latest AIRAC cycle for that addon or simulator.
The download and installation process may also vary slightly depending on the provider you choose. For example, if you choose Navigraph as your provider, you can download and install the latest AIRAC cycle as soon as it is published by Navigraph. If you choose NavBlue as your provider, you may have to wait a few days after the publication date before you can download and install the latest AIRAC cycle from NavBlue. If you choose AeroNavMap as your provider, you may have to manually download and install the latest AIRAC cycle from AeroNavMap's website.
The download and installation process is usually completed within a few minutes. You can check the progress and status of the process on the software's interface. You can also see the details and information of the AIRAC cycle, such as the cycle number, the effective date, the provider, etc. You can also see the list of changes and improvements that the AIRAC cycle brings to your addons or simulators.How to verify and use AIRAC data in your flight simulator?
After you have downloaded and installed the latest AIRAC cycle, you may want to verify and use it in your flight simulator. In this section, we will give you some suggestions on how to check and apply AIRAC data in your flight simulation. Here are some tips:
Check the AIRAC cycle information in your simulator or addon
Plan your flight using updated navigation data
Fly with confidence and realism using AIRAC data
Let's go through each tip in detail.Check the AIRAC cycle information in your simulator or addon
The first tip is to check the AIRAC cycle information in your simulator or addon. This is a simple way to verify that you have successfully updated your navigation data to the latest AIRAC cycle. You can usually find the AIRAC cycle information on the main menu or screen of your simulator or addon, or on the flight management system (FMS) or navigation display (ND) of your aircraft.
The AIRAC cycle information should show the cycle number and the effective date of the current AIRAC cycle. For example, if you see "AIRAC 2106 17 JUN 2021", it means that you are using AIRAC cycle 2106, which is effective from June 17, 2021. You can compare this information with the table of AIRAC cycles that we provided earlier to make sure that you are using the latest AIRAC cycle available.
If you do not see the AIRAC cycle information in your simulator or addon, or if you see a different or outdated cycle number or effective date, it means that something went wrong with the update process. You may need to repeat the steps of downloading and installing the latest AIRAC cycle, or contact your provider's support team for assistance.Plan your flight using updated navigation data
The second tip is to plan your flight using updated navigation data. This is an important way to use AIRAC data in your flight simulation. By planning your flight using updated navigation data, you can ensure that your flight plan is accurate and realistic, and that it matches with the real-world situation and regulations.
You can plan your flight using various tools and methods, such as online flight planners, charts, manuals, databases, etc. You should use the same provider's products as your source of navigation data for planning your flight. For example, if you use Navigraph as your provider of AIRAC data, you should also use Navigraph Charts, Navigraph Manuals, Navigraph Simbrief Integration, etc. for planning your flight.
You should also check for any changes or updates in the navigation data that affect your flight plan. For example, you should check for any new or modified waypoints, navaids, airways, procedures, airports, airspaces, etc. that are relevant for your route and destination. You should also check for any NOTAMs that notify you of any temporary or permanent changes or restrictions in the aeronautical information.
You should also adjust your flight plan according to your preferences and requirements. For example , you need to check the AIRAC cycle information in your simulator or addon, plan your flight using updated navigation data, and fly with confidence and realism using AIRAC data. By doing so, you can enjoy a more realistic and immersive flight simulation experience, and also improve your skills and knowledge as a pilot.FAQs
Here are some common questions and answers about AIRAC:
What is the difference between AIRAC and FMS?
How often does AIRAC change?
How do I know which AIRAC cycle I have?
How do I update AIRAC for free?
What happens if I don't update AIRAC?
Let's answer each question in detail.What is the difference between AIRAC and FMS?
AIRAC and FMS are two related but different concepts. AIRAC is a system that provides updated and accurate navigation data for flight operations. FMS stands for flight management system, which is a computer system that uses navigation data to assist pilots in managing their flights. FMS can use AIRAC data to display and calculate the flight plan, the route, the procedures, the performance, etc. However, AIRAC is not the same as FMS, and not all FMS use AIRAC data.How often does AIRAC change?
AIRAC changes every 28 days, according to a predetermined schedule of internationally agreed AIRAC effective dates. Each change is called an AIRAC cycle, and it has a cycle number and an effective date. The cycle number indicates the year and the cycle within that year. For example, AIRAC cycle 2106 means the sixth cycle of the year 2021. The effective date indicates when the changes become effective and must be used by the users of aeronautical information. The effective date is always on a Thursday and coincides with the first day of the International NOTAM Series.How do I know which AIRAC cycle I have?
You can know which AIRAC cycle you have by checking the AIRAC cycle information in your simulator or addon. The AIRAC cycle information should show the cycle number and the effective date of the current AIRAC cycle. For example, if you see "AIRAC 2106 17 JUN 2021", it means that you are using AIRAC cycle 2106, which is effective from June 17, 2021. You can compare this information with the table of AIRAC cycles that we provided earlier to make sure that you are using the latest AIRAC cycle available.How do I update AIRAC for free?
You can update AIRAC for free by using a free provider of AIRAC data, such as AeroNavMap. AeroNavMap is a web-based application that allows you to download and install the latest AIRAC cycles for selected addons and simulators. AeroNavMap covers over 5,000 airports worldwide and supports over 20 addons and simulators, including Microsoft Flight Simulator, Prepar3D, X-Plane, FSX, etc. AeroNavMap does not charge anything for its service.
To update AIRAC for free using AeroNavMap, you need to install AeroNavMap Desktop or AeroNavMap Web. Then, you need to select the addons or simulators to update, and download and install the latest AIRAC cycle from AeroNavMap's website. You can also check the progress and status of the update process on AeroNavMap's interface.What happens if I don't update AIRAC?
If you don't update AIRAC, you may face some problems or risks in your flight simulation. For example:
You may have outdated or incorrect navigation data, such as waypoints, navaids, airways, procedures, airports, airspaces, etc. This could affect your flight planning or execution, and cause potential hazards or conflicts with other users or online networks.
You may have incompatible or inconsistent navigation data with other users or online networks, such as VATSIM or IVAO. This could affect your online communication or coordination, and cause discrepancies or confusion with other pilots or controllers.
You may have less realistic or immersive flight simulation experience, as you will not be able to follow the same routes and instructions as real-world pilots and controllers.
Therefore, we recommend that you update AIRAC regularly to avoid these problems or risks, and to enjoy a more safe, efficient, compatible, and realistic flight simulation experience. 44f88ac181
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