MSFS PMDG LilNavMap and Simbrief AIRAC sync question

Discussion Hub Tools & Utilities
1

Im looking for a consistency solution across MSFS, not necessarily the latest data, to keep things like the SID/STAR data synchronized across the software, stock MSFS aircraft and 3rd party Aircraft.
Im sorry, i know this topic has been beat pretty good in the past, however after days of reading i still cant formulate this exact situation…

I would be fine with just using the current data in MSFS by NavBlue BUT.. what happens to the PMDG aircraft ( and others) and the use of Simbrief since they MUST have Navigraph to update?

QUESTION: if you buy 1 month of Navigraph right now ( AIRAC VER 2401, 25.01.2024) and update MSFS - PMDG - LittleNavMap & Simbrief, then cancel the Navigraph subscription; WILL Nav Data Center work next month and continue for a year to keep that AIRAC VER 2401 data in all this stuff when MSFS overwrites this data in their aircraft every month with NavBlue data?

( Stephen at Navigraph states: The only thing you can keep when your subscription expires is any downloaded FMS Data/navdata files on your local machine. But noone says thier FMS nav data updater app will still work)
Since many state to buy 1 month of Navigraph & update, I could assume your Nav Data update center keeps working forever.

Anyone have empirical experience with this?

It really is looking like im stuck with, and forced to use only a Navigraph $$ with my setup - types of software and 3rd party aircraft otherwise they are out of sync.

2

Hi,
simple answer yes … but the Hub will not work after the subscription ends, you don’t need it because you still have all data on your system even when they are outdated. We don’t overwrite data in MSFS, or we don’t remove data when your subscription ends. So you will stay on your last bought AIRAC cycle.

One point:
This is only valid, as long as you don’t re-install the MSFS, the addon or your whole system because then you (or the setups) remove the data with this process. We don’t offer outdated cycles so when you lost it due a new installation, you must pay another month.

Conclusion:
As long as you don’t “touch” your system (re-installing MSFS or any addon), the cycle what you are paid for will be stay on your system and you can use it without a subscription too.

Hope that helps
Richard

PS: another option could be to make a backup of the AIRAC files, then you can restore it whenever you want, whatever happened

1 Like
3

Thank you for your answer.
The only part still unclear is the MSFS monthly updates as ive read statements from users who state directly that MSFS overwrites the nav data monthly. Is this true, So maybe it would help if I knew more about where the setting are stored.

QUESTION: Where does Navigraph keep the AIRAC files, and does your answer mean they are stored in a different folder then MSFS nav data?

Does 3rd party aircraft pull from the Navigraph folder?

Its obvious they dont use the MSFS location since my PMDG currently has vary old nave data, so then by updating everything ONE time like in my original question is is safe to assume that non of the updated AIRAC data will ever be overwritten by MSFS unless i do something on my system?

Many thanks helping my understand this process.
Devin

4

I found another solution, since the jist of my question was “are we stuck with requiring Payware for nav data” The answer is NO.

I was really hoping to hear from some community members who approaches this nav data sync system more like myself: not requiring full pilot charts and graph subscriptions, or the $$$ solution but unfortunately the only reply was for a company selling a product, which is fine and dandy but as Richard even states elsewhere “ i try to give you and objective answer - but you know, I wear my Navigraph-glasses :wink:

…sorry Richard, no offense but that didn’t help me understand the bigger picture layout any better from an Objective POV. So up-selling wont work here.

So now we are round back to this cloak and dagger method of picking through posts to decipher the MS secret code of a simpler economical method for storing/maintaining/using Nav Data - shooting for 95% accuracy is fine for my gaming needs.

It seems that this information is scattered across years of random question, posts, opinions and facts. I may never know all the ins/outs but there is some info ive made use of so far:

Just in case someone ELSE one day is reading this looking for the same info, here is my experience thus far.

I use MSFS default aircraft, PMDG, FlyByWire and a other 3rd party aircraft:

>>> YOU DONT NEED NAVAIGRAPH !! <<< #### (to achieve computer navigation flights)

Since PMDG & FBW both use Simbrief, and Little NavMap can use MSFS default nav data, AND can talk to Simbrief, and since simbrief wont import sid/star info in certain planes anyway you will just add that manually into the FMC / MCDUs that this is one solution.

All FAA charts and whatnots are always FREE and across several platforms depending if you want Jeppesen or the Airbus navblue Conus …etc. (Chartfox.org and SkyVector are just 2 I really like)

I post this because every time I read a post on this topic there usually is someone yelling “just buy the da#$ subscription!” HOWEVER that does NOT always answer the exact question being asked, nor place any regard to what the OP is trying to learn. If all you have is money to throw and someone else you can usually find a quick solution or or unless you just must have some particular approach/rway data for your fav and you need it to load automatically all the time, but even then ITS NEVER PERFECT because MSFS and 3rd party craft use 2 Different Systems anyway….

I choose to spend 2 to 3 extra minutes learning the FMS systems on a slightly manual mode as it helps me when troubleshooting discontinuities and errors. And because $10 here, $29.99 there, only $100 for the year…well it adds up, I put that subscription money towards a graphics card… it adds up!

1 Like
5

Thank you so much, sir, for your excellent post ! I had the exact same question.
I enjoy flight simulation and like to keep it as real as possible, but I’m not training for a real world pilot license.
WHY would I give a **** if my AIRAC cycle is from 2023 instead of THIS very month? It just needs to be the same AIRAC used by MSFS, LNM and SimBrief.
In essence, we are talking about a silly little text file - that’s al!
Shame on all responsible for not providing a simple way to access and manage this text file between those applications.

6

Read this with great interest…I have modified and added ILS, VOR/DME , GS, and an NDB to create a fully operational uncontrolled airport as it was when it was used decades ago as an airline transition training site. I have used Navigraph for years to keep everything in synch but a point in time would be satisfactory to stop the Navigraph subscription. My question is my airport navaids are only working if the Navigraph data folders are removed from the Community folder.

Have also used Little Nav Map for years. I just configured it to only use MSFS data so my navaids show up at KTNT. If I create the flight plan in Little Nav Map now and export it to Simbrief, then generate it for PMDG, it should work in the PMDG 737. Is this correct?