How to add a missing NDBs to the MSFS2002 default scenery:

Written by: Bryan York.  Email: byork@icrossroads.com

-----------------
Turn word-wrap on
-----------------


1. Go to flightsim.com.  Search for and download this file: "en2k351.zip".
It's a very small and simple program called "Easynavs".  Written by Herv Sors, "Easynavs" allows you to create and modify navaids: ILS's, NDB's, VOR's, markers, you name it.

Avsim.com may have this file as well.


2. To obtain the coordinates of your missing NDB, do as follows (I'm assuming here that the NDB you want is an NDB found on an instrument approach coarse, because those are the ones that by and large MS forgot to add):

i) Using the default 737, start your flight on the runway associated with the missing NDB.  

ii) If the runway has an ILS, tune the ILS and set your OBS accordingly.

iii) Turn on the 'slew' command so that you can see your present coordinates.

iv) Look at your instrument approach plate chart.  Note the altitude at which the glideslope intersects the NDB.  On Canadian approach charts that altitude figure will have a 'GP' beside it if the approach is served by an ILS.  

v) Slew up to that altitude.

vi) Once you're at that altitude, slew backward until the glideslope is precisely centered.
You have now discovered the coordinates for the missing NDB.

v) Write down the coordinates on the top of your screen and enter them into the "Easynavs" program.


Notes:

1. Obtaining the coordinates of missing NDBs is very easy if the missing NDB is associated with a runway served by an ILS.  If the approach is not served by an ILS then obtaining the NDB coordinates is a bit trickier, especially if the the approach does not use a DME.  But if you put your head to it you can obtain accurate coordinates regardless of the situation.

2. Be careful about using coordinates published on aeronautical charts.  They can differ every so slightly from the proper location of the NDB using MSFS's system of lat/lon.  It's best to use the system I described above to obtain the coordinates for the Navaids you want to add.

Cheers!
Bryan York


 

