Navdata (navigation data) is the standardized digital database that provides the essential information an aircraft’s navigation systems need to operate safely and efficiently. It contains details such as waypoints, airways, airports, runways, Standard Instrument Departures (SIDs), Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARs), instrument approach procedures, and restricted or controlled airspace. Without accurate navdata, aircraft could deviate from expected routes, creating safety risks and disrupting the carefully managed flow of flights in busy skies.
Regular navdata and chart updates are essential because the airspace structure is dynamic. Airports expand or close runways, governments establish new restricted areas, navigation aids are decommissioned, and procedures are revised to improve safety and efficiency. To stay aligned with global airspace changes, navdata is updated on a 28-day cycle, ensuring aircraft always operate with the most current information.
Who is Navigraph?
Navigraph is a company that provides flight-simulation navdata and charts sourced from Jeppesen, bringing real-world procedures into desktop simulators. Its tools include Navigraph Hub (MSFS navdata & in-game panel installer), FMS Data Manager (X-Plane, P3D, FSX navdata), Navigraph Charts apps, and Simlink for moving-map position from the sim to Charts. Updates follow the aviation AIRAC standard every 28 days, keeping simulator routes, procedures, and frequencies aligned with the real world. Using the same Jeppesen source for both navdata and charts minimizes mismatches between what your FMS can fly and what your plates show.
Installing Navigraph for Microsoft Flight Simulator
1) Install Navdata with Navigraph Hub
- Download & install Navigraph Hub (Windows). Sign in with your Navigraph account.
- Hub detects MSFS. Click Install beside MSFS Navdata to replace the default database with the Jeppesen-sourced one (you can also Remove to revert to stock later).
- Keep Hub around—repeat the Install/Update step every AIRAC cycle (every 28 days).
Notes
• Hub also installs the In-Game Charts Panel for MSFS, which places Navigraph Charts on the MSFS toolbar.
2) Add Charts inside the sim (In-Game Panel)
In Navigraph Hub, install Navigraph Charts In-Game Panel, then in MSFS open the toolbar and launch Charts to sign in. This lets you pin approaches, view taxi diagrams, overlays, and your aircraft’s position (with Simlink—see below) without leaving the sim.
3) (Optional) Enable moving map with Simlink
Install Navigraph Simlink (from Navigraph Downloads). Ensure it’s running (system tray/status bar). When active, your aircraft icon appears on Charts (desktop, tablet, or in-game panel). Enable auto-start if you want it always on.
Installing Navigraph for X-Plane
1) Update FMS navdata with FMS Data Manager
- Download & install FMS Data Manager.
- In Settings, point it to your X-Plane installation, then Scan to detect add-ons (default FMS and supported aircraft).
- Click Update (or Update Selected) to write the current AIRAC cycle to X-Plane’s navdata folders and any mapped add-ons. Repeat each cycle.
Tip
On macOS you don’t need FMS Data Manager inside the X-Plane folder; install it in Applications and map the sim path in Settings.
2) Use Navigraph Charts alongside X-Plane
Install Navigraph Charts for Windows/macOS/iPad/iPhone/Android. Sign in and load your flight. For live own-ship position on the chart (moving map), install and run Simlink. Many users keep Charts on a second monitor or tablet; others just alt-tab the desktop app.
Final Thoughts
Keeping navigation data (Navdata) and charts updated is essential for flight simulator users who want to experience realistic and safe virtual flying. Just like in real-world aviation, airways, waypoints, procedures, and airport layouts frequently change to reflect evolving air traffic requirements, construction, or safety improvements.
For example, if a simulator pilot loads a current airline route but relies on old Navdata, some waypoints may be missing, renamed, or shifted. This leads to discrepancies that break immersion and make training less effective. Updated airport charts are equally important, as runway designations, taxiway layouts, and approach procedures often change. Practicing with outdated charts may cause confusion when transitioning to real-world aviation training or when following real airline operations.
Furthermore, many online flying networks, such as VATSIM and IVAO, expect pilots to use current data to match the controllers’ instructions. Having the latest Navdata ensures smoother communication and more realistic interaction. In short, regularly updated Navdata and charts bridge the gap between simulation and reality, enhancing both the accuracy and educational value of flight simulator experiences.
Navigraph publishes new navdata every 28 days to match the industry AIRAC calendar. That cadence applies across Hub (MSFS), FMS Data Manager (X-Plane), and the Charts database—so your route planning, procedures, and FMS all line up.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.