Interesting press release yesterday: the new navdata and flight planning for MSFS 2024 are from Lufthansa Systems, LIDO charts.
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I wonder if the higher fidelity aircraft devs (e.g. PMDG, Just Flight) who currently have their FMCs tied to Navigraph navdata can or will be able to use the LIDO data instead with minimal effort.
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Hopefully. The more options we have, the better.
There were some descriptions by PMDG about updating the navdata format they use to ARINC 424, which was part of their update to getting navdata updates via their tablet - but I’m not sure if that enables a choice of navdata sources or not. PMDG planes seem pretty integrated with Navigraph navdata and charts (which is from Jeppeson / Boeing). I have a feeling it would require quite a bit of effort and expense to enable that kind of choice.
It would great if the flight plan in the PMDG 737 / 777 could be pushed to (or from) MSFS World Map / flight planning, so that native ATC would work
This is huge for anyone who can’t afford a Navigraph subscription, or who just plays so little that such a subscription doesn’t make sense.
That’s under the assumption that there is no subscription required to fully unlock all the features.
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I used the LIDO charts during the free trial period for a week. Those who are used to JEPPESEN charts may find it a bit challenging at first, but that doesn’t last long—they’re fairly simple and clear. I’m still using SIMBRIEF for planning, but without purchasing the NAVIGRAPH subscription, and without AIRAC updates, the planning gradually becomes outdated.
If MSFS2024 manages to implement both charts and the flight planner well, there will be few reasons left to purchase NAVIGRAPH.
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I really don’t see this as much competition to Navigraph. LIDO charts don’t cover nearly as much airports as Jeppesen charts do and to my understanding they’re only really relevant to category C and D aircraft. As someone who only flies GA aircraft I will be sticking with a Navigraph Unlimited subscription for the years to come.
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AviaPlanner already provides charts for Lido at $3.5/month
That is extremely cheaper than Navigraph. I think the MSFS move will give a kickstart to AviaPlanner, time for Navigraph to get a competitor and provide some reasonable prices.
According to the Aviaplanner website, they only list having charts for 70 airports across the world. I don’t think I even so Logan in the list.
Are you sure you’re not just looking at the updates to get that number? I did a search for KBOS and got these charts:
You do know the real world version of what we get from Navigraph would cost about £10,000 a year?
I think it’s fantastic value for money.
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I’m referring to the list of airports they cover on their web page. It seemed weird they only covered 70 airports.
If you’re referring to what’s on their front page, there’s a list (haven’t counted how many) but it does say at the top that they are updates.
I’m not sure what that means. All charts should be updated every month? Why would they only list 70 of them?
One of these days, the Sim is going to knock out your Nav system. Then you’re going to have to get to a field by ‘Dead reckoning’.
Lufthansa claim 35000 airports
Navigraph claim 12000 airports.
The truth will be known soon!
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I believe MSFS 2024 will be supplementing the Lufthansa LIDO charts with FAA charts for the US, so the US will have pretty thorough coverage I think.
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While that covers the US (some still prefer Jeppesen charts over what the FAA hands out for free including myself) what about folks outside the US that don’t really find themselves flying into and out of airports covered by LIDO charts? Point is that Navigraph with their charts and navdata from Jeppesen will still be very much relevant in MSFS 2024. It’s a one-stop-shop for pretty much the entire world with consistency more or less throughout. You don’t have to search up the AIP for some country or use ChartFox and furthermore some countries charts are simply not available for free. Some AIP charts are just not really pilot friendly. In the US for example to find some rather important information with FAA charts you have to look elsewhere. With Jeppesen that information can be found right on the chart.
Example of LIDO vs Jeppesen for EGKA…
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Folks, in a couple of days, we will know it.
Keep calm