Understanding GPS and Waypoints in FSX

Microsoft Flight Simulator X (FSX) provides a robust navigation system that enables pilots to create and follow custom flight routes with high precision. At the heart of this system are two key components: the GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver and waypoints. The GPS unit in FSX functions like a real-world aircraft GPS, displaying your position, planned route, and guidance cues. Waypoints are specific geographic coordinates—latitude and longitude pairs—that define points along your intended path. They can be existing navigational aids like VORs (VHF Omnidirectional Range stations), NDBs (Non-Directional Beacons), intersections, airport runways, or user-defined positions. By combining GPS waypoints, you can build a route that matches your exact flying preferences, whether for practice, sightseeing, or simulating real-world procedures.

FSX supports two primary GPS units: the default Garmin GNS 530 and the simpler G1000-style unit available in some default aircraft. Both allow you to enter, edit, and follow waypoints. The GPS will provide lateral guidance (course deviation) and distance/time to each waypoint, as well as an estimated time en route. Understanding how to manipulate these tools is essential for creating effective custom routes.

Planning Your Flight Route

Effective route planning begins long before you start the simulator. Begin by selecting your departure and arrival airports. Then, consult real-world sectional charts or online resources such as SkyVector or AirNav to identify waypoints along your intended corridor. In FSX, you can also use the built-in map view to visualize the terrain and navigation aids. Consider the following elements when planning:

  • Navigation Aids: VORs, NDBs, and GPS waypoints (e.g., “KELSY” or “DUNES”) provide reliable references. Using them helps you practice radio navigation.
  • Airways: If you want a realistic IFR flight, follow established Victor or Jet airways, which are predefined routes between VORs.
  • Terrain and Airspace: Avoid restricted areas and high terrain unless you are prepared for the challenge.
  • Fuel and Distance: Ensure your aircraft has sufficient range. FSX can calculate fuel consumption, but it’s best to plan conservatively.

Once you have a list of waypoints in order, you can transfer them into FSX’s flight planning system. The most direct method is to use the aircraft’s GPS unit interface. However, for complex routes with many waypoints, using external flight planning tools is far more efficient.

Creating a Route Using the In-Game GPS

To create a route manually within FSX using the GPS:

  1. Open the GPS window (by pressing Shift+3 on your keyboard or selecting the icon on the panel).
  2. Press the MENU button on the GPS to access the main menu.
  3. Select “Active Flight Plan” (or “Flight Plan” depending on the GPS model).
  4. Choose “New Flight Plan” or “Create”.
  5. Enter your departure airport using the ICAO code (e.g., KLAX). Press ENTER.
  6. Enter your destination airport. Press ENTER.
  7. Then add waypoints one at a time. You can either type a waypoint identifier (e.g., “SEBBY”) or press “FPL” and then “Add Waypoint” to type coordinates like “N34°12.5’ W118°29.3’”.
  8. Rearrange waypoints if needed using the GPS softkeys.
  9. Once done, press “Activate” to make this flight plan active. The GPS will guide you from the first waypoint to the last.

This method works best for short routes with a handful of waypoints. For longer, more detailed routes it can become tedious.

Creating Flight Plan Files (.pln) with External Tools

External flight planning applications offer much more power and flexibility. Popular free tools include Little Navmap and Plan-G. These programs allow you to:

  • Download real-world navigation data (NAVAIDs, airways, airports) directly.
  • Drag and drop waypoints on a moving map.
  • Automatically snap to airways and VOR radials.
  • Export the flight plan as a .pln file that FSX can read.

Here’s how to create a route using Little Navmap as an example:

  1. Open Little Navmap. It will automatically load current FSX scenery and navigation databases.
  2. Use the “Flight Plan” panel on the right. Click “New”.
  3. Set departure and arrival airports by typing or clicking on the map.
  4. Right-click on the map where you want to add a waypoint. Choose “Add as waypoint”. Enter a name if desired.
  5. Alternatively, use the “Airway” tool: pick a starting VOR, then an airway, and the program will automatically insert all intermediate intersections.
  6. Once your route is complete, go to “File” > “Save Flight Plan”. Choose the format “FSX / Prepar3D Flight Plan (.pln)”.
  7. Save the file to your FSX flight plans folder (typically C:\Users\[YourName]\Documents\Flight Simulator X Files).

Plan-G works similarly and even includes a “Send to FSX” feature to directly load the plan into the simulator.

Implementing Your Custom Route in FSX

Once you have your flight plan ready—either created in-game or saved as a .pln file—load it into FSX to begin your flight.

  1. On the FSX main menu, select “Free Flight”.
  2. Click “Change” next to the aircraft picture to select your aircraft.
  3. Click “Flight Planner”.
  4. If you created a route in-game, it should appear under “My Flight Plans”. Select it.
  5. If you saved a .pln file from an external tool, click “Load” and navigate to the file. FSX will import the waypoints automatically.
  6. Click “OK” to accept the flight plan. FSX will set the departure airport, time, and weather accordingly.
  7. Start the flight. Once in the cockpit, ensure the GPS is powered on and the flight plan is active. You may need to press “PROC” or “ACT” to activate it on the GPS.
  8. Follow the magenta line on the GPS display or the course deviation indicator (CDI) to stay on track.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Even with careful planning, you might encounter issues:

  • Waypoint not found: The waypoint ID you entered does not exist in FSX’s database. Use external tools to verify valid identifiers. User-defined waypoints with coordinates should be fine.
  • GPS not responding: Make sure the aircraft’s master battery and avionics switches are on. Some GPS units require a separate power switch.
  • Flight plan not showing: After loading, you may need to press “FPL” on the GPS to see the waypoint list. Then press “ACT” to activate.
  • Waypoints skipped: The GPS may skip waypoints if you are far off course. This is due to the “direct-to” logic. To prevent this, stay within 10–15 nm of the planned leg.

Advanced Techniques: SIDs, STARs, and Airways

For pilots wanting to push their skills further, custom routes can also include Standard Instrument Departures (SIDs) and Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARs). These are published procedures that define airways out of and into busy airports. While FSX does not include all real-world SIDs/STARs in its default database, you can still create approximations by manually entering waypoints from published charts. Use resources like FAA Digital Terminal Procedures to find waypoint sequences.

To create an airway route:

  1. Identify the Victor or Jet airway (e.g., V16, J80).
  2. In Little Navmap or Plan-G, select the starting VOR, then the airway, and set the ending VOR. The tool will insert all named intersections along the airway.
  3. Export the plan and load it into FSX. The GPS will guide you through each intersection, providing a highly realistic IFR simulation.

Tip: For VFR flights, you can skip airways and define direct waypoints based on visual landmarks—mountains, lakes, cities, or custom GPS coordinates. This is excellent for cross-country navigation practice.

Tips for Effective Route Creation

To get the most out of your custom routes, keep these best practices in mind:

  • Use recognizable waypoints: Choose VORs, NDBs, or intersections that you can identify on paper charts. This builds real-world navigation skills.
  • Keep initial routes simple: For beginners, start with three to five waypoints in a straight line. Gradually add turns and altitude changes as you gain confidence.
  • Experiment with different route types: Try a VFR sightseeing route around your favorite city, an IFR training route through an airway, or a practice approach to an airport.
  • Save your routes: Organize .pln files into folders by aircraft type or geographical region. Label them clearly (e.g., “KFSO-KBGR VFR via Lake Champlain”).
  • Practice with live weather: Using real-world weather in FSX adds an extra layer of challenge and realism.

Using Add-Ons to Enhance Navigation

FSX can be further enhanced with third-party add-ons that improve GPS accuracy and realism. For example:

  • RXP GTN 750/650: A payware GPS emulator with touch-screen interface and real-world navigation databases.
  • FSX@War or LiveTraffic: While not navigation-specific, they add dynamic AI traffic that can affect your route planning.
  • Orbx scenery: Improved terrain textures can make visual wayfinding easier and more immersive.

These add-ons are optional but can significantly enhance your experience.

Conclusion

Creating your own custom flight routes in FSX using GPS and waypoints transforms the simulator into a powerful training tool. Whether you are practicing basic VFR navigation, learning IFR procedures, or just exploring the virtual world, building routes tailored to your needs improves engagement and skill retention. Start by planning on paper, move to digital tools like Little Navmap, then load your plan into FSX and fly it. Over time, you’ll develop a deep understanding of navigation principles that apply directly to real-world flying. Customize your routes, experiment with different aircraft, and enjoy the freedom of the skies.