X-Plane Navdata 101: Understanding, Installing, and Updating

This step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know about Navdata in X-Plane. We will explain what Navdata is and why you might need it, and we will also explain how to install or update your Navdata from Navigraph or Aerosoft. This guide applies to all aircraft in X-Plane that have a custom FMS, including all our payware aircraft and freeware products.

 

  • Navdata provides updated airport and waypoint information, ensuring your flight plans and systems are current. This is especially vital for pilots who aim for realism, as real-world aviation relies on up-to-date data.

    When you generate a flight plan online, it will use up-to-date data. And if you then try to enter that route without having the latest data, it is possible that some of the sections of the flight plan will not be available in your Navdata version, and you won’t be able to enter the whole flight plan in the Flight Management System.

    For that reason, reputable companies like Navigraph or Aerosoft offer Navdata subscription services, that give you access to the latest AIRAC cycle (Navdata version).

  • X-Plane includes navdata by default, but it's often outdated.

    In essence, if you're aiming to fly IFR flights, generate flight plans with online tools, and ensure you're using the latest navdata, a paid Navdata subscription is essential. However, for casual flying or occasional use of generated flight plans, a Navdata subscription isn't necessary.

    It's worth noting that a Navigraph subscription offers more than just navdata. It includes additional tools like Navigraph Charts, an intuitive tool I find invaluable for creating and visualizing flight plans.

    For those seeking free alternatives, LittleNavMap is a great option similar to Navigraph Charts. For flight generation, Simbrief is recommended. It allows you to select your AIRAC cycle. So in order to ensure compatibility with your flight plans, use the latest AIRAC if you have a paid subscription. If you do not, you should select the AIRAC that is provided by X-Plane.

  • Most of the latest payware aircraft, including our ERJ Family, as well as the E-Jets Family use the native X-Plane 11 and X-Plane 12 Navdata. If the product description doesn’t list a specific need for GNS430 Navdata, then it will use the native Navdata.

    The GNS430 format was used before X-Plane 11, so it is used by some older add-ons in X-Plane, for example, the Flight Factor 757, 767 or 777, Aerobask SkyView, JRollon Planes CRJ200, ToLiss A319 (XP10), or the Free E-Jets by X-Crafts. Every add-on that needs this format should clearly state that in the product description.

    No need to worry though, installing it is just as easy as installing the native Navdata.

 

How to Install or Update Navdata in X-Plane:

This step-by-step guide shows you how to install Navdata in any format. We’ll cover manual installation, as well as using the Navigraph FMS Data Manager. Let’s get started!

  1. Choose Your provider

    Decide whether you want to use Navigraph or Aerosoft for your nav data update. Both are reputable sources, so pick the one that aligns best with your preferences.

  2. Manual Installation & Update

    If you prefer a hands-on approach, you can always install the custom Navdata manually.

    ⬇️ To Install:

    1. Visit the Navigraph or Aerosoft website and download the native X-Plane 11 / native X-Plane 12 / or GNS430 Navdata.

    2. Once downloaded, extract all of its contents.

    3. Locate the 'Custom Data' folder within your X-Plane directory.

    4. Copy and paste the extracted files into the 'Custom Data' folder.

    🔄 To Update:

    Updating manually requires you to install the nav data anew, so simply repeat all the steps from 1. to 4. from the manual installation.

  3. Using the Navigraph FMS Data Manager

    For a hassle-free experience, Navigraph offers its Navigraph FMS Data Manager tool, which is designed to make the installation very simple.

    ⬇️ To Install:

    1. Launch the application

    2. Click on Addon Mappings

    3. Click the ＋Add Button

    4. From the list of Addons, select 'X-Plane 11', ‘X-Plane 12’, or X-Plane GNS430

    5. From the “Install into” field, select which sim you will be using

    6. Once you added the “Mapping”, go back to the Addon list, and click on the 🡻 icon (Update this item)

    🔄 To Update:

    1. Repeat step 6 from the installation: Go to the Addon list, and click on the 🡻 icon (Update this item)


    For a detailed tutorial on how to use the Navigraph FMS Data Manager, click here.

  4. Verify Installation

    After completing the installation, launch X-Plane and ensure that new Navdata is recognized and functional. This is usually verified on the FMS/FMC.

  5. Stay Updated

    A new AIRAC (version of the Navdata) is released every month, so regularly check for Navdata updates to ensure you always have the most accurate and up-to-date navigation information for your flights.