I use a number of different route planners, EFB, FS Commander, PMDG FMC, Simroutes, Routefinder etc. When looking at SIDS and STARS they are sometimes different. Is there a way to sync them, like buy the latest from navigraph?

You answered the question yourself. ^_^

 

Nowadays there are two options: Navigraph and NavDataPro from Aerosoft. One or the other might be cheaper depending on the amount of addons you want to update and how often you want new updates.

Navigraph has seperate installers for each addon (which you have to purchase seperately with credits which you have to buy in a bundle) and NavDataPro is one program that lets you install the AIRAC for all the addons you want to update (simply tick or untick what you want or don't want to be updated). NavDataPro can bought as a single AIRAC (for all addons) or as some sort of subscription for 4 or 12 AIRACs.

 

So you need to do some math to see what's your best option.

 

BTW As it is NOW (January 14th) NavDataPro is said to be more complete (having more content) but that may change with the next cycle. I bought NavDataPro because I only wanted to update three addons once and so 1. it was cheaper then the cheapest bundle of Navigraph credits and 2. it's more complete right now.

Thanks for the explanation. NavDataPro looks the best for me as it requires less effort for multiple add-ons! Do the datasets include SIDS, STARS and transitions? Also what are cycles? I'll probably save money and just buy the 1 cycle update.

Yes, SIDs, STARS, everything that Navigraph offers otherwise it would be of no use. ^_^

 

AIRACs are updated every 4 weeks and that's what they call a cycle. There are exactly 13 cycles every year.

 

I personally don't need the newest AIRAC every 4 weeks: most of FSX itself is 6 years old anyway... I just want my addons (at this moment mainly the 737 NGX and ProATC/X) to use the same cycle so they can 'communicate' without errors. If they don't use the same cycle, I may not be able to load a flightplan made with ProATC/X into the 737 NGX for instance. I think I may buy an update every year or so... if really needed for new addons... I don't really need to be 'current', If I could have bought a year old cycle for half the price I would have. ^_^