.airport — Airport Data File
OpenFlightMaps / FlightSim community · 2000s
An .airport file stores detailed data about real-world or simulated airports for use in flight simulation and aviation software.
Key Features
- Contains detailed airport layout information (runways, taxiways, gates).
- Includes navigational data (frequencies, aids).
- Enables realistic airport rendering in flight simulators.
- Supports custom airport scenery development.
Best For
- Defining precise airport geometry for flight simulators.
- Storing comprehensive airport operational data.
- Enabling detailed environmental simulation of airports.
Less Ideal For
- General-purpose geographic data storage.
- Storing 2D map images.
- Sharing 3D models of airport buildings.
- General document creation.
Common Use Cases
- Adding custom airports to flight simulation games.
- Modifying existing airport layouts in simulators.
- Developing navigation databases for aviation training software.
- Visualizing airport infrastructure data.
How to Open It
- Open with specialized flight simulation software like Microsoft Flight Simulator or X-Plane.
- Use airport design tools such as ADE (Airport Design Editor) for Microsoft Flight Simulator.
- Some GIS software might be able to import or view certain .airport file structures if they are XML-based.
What is a .airport file?
An .airport file is a specialized data file used primarily in flight simulation software and aviation-related applications. It contains detailed information about airports, including runways, taxiways, gates, and navigational aids. These files allow simulators to accurately render airport environments and provide realistic navigation data for virtual pilots. While not a common user-facing format, it's crucial for developers creating or modifying flight simulation scenery and navigation databases.
Programs That Open .airport Files
| Platform | Program | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | Microsoft Flight Simulator | Paid | Official |
| X-Plane | Paid | Official | |
| Airport Design Editor (ADE) | Free | ||
| macOS | X-Plane | Paid | Official |
| Linux | X-Plane | Paid | Official |
Common Problems with .airport Files
Frequently Asked Questions
If the file is in an XML-based format, you might be able to read it, but editing it without specialized tools is not recommended as it can easily corrupt the data.
No, different flight simulators may use proprietary formats for airport data, though .airport is common in some communities.
Technical Details
These files are typically structured as XML or a custom binary format, designed to store geographic coordinates, dimensions, and identifiers for various airport features. They often rely on geodetic data and can include details for ILS (Instrument Landing System) frequencies and approaches. The specific schema can vary depending on the flight simulator or tool that generated it.