I usually fly in the U.S. and go to flightaware to find a route and get charts.  However, I wanted to try to start flying out of country in Europe and other countries.  I haven't found any place to find a route and get charts.  Does anyone know any sites to get routes and charts without having to sign up for anything?  Thanks.

There are a few places, but I've used VRoute so long that I haven't been to them in quite a while.  The free version can give you the routes as well, but it's such a terrific tool that I'd encourage you to purchase for the few dollars that is charged - support FS Developers so they'll stick with it!

 

As far as Charts go, you should try to Google the Airport ICAO and year as many VATSIM and IVAO ARTCCs publish a Jeppsen chart book for the airports in a nice PDF. If that fails, create a free account at EADs (Google that and "Charts" and you'll always have the most up to date charts.

 

Of course there are payware tools such as the one from Navigraph.

 

 

Hope this helps!

 

 

Dave

check out NATS AIS. It has the charts for the airports in the united kingdom.

- Routefinder for flight planners : http://rfinder.asalink.net/free/ : Simple, yet so functional.

 

- ILS Frequencies: FSCharts http://www.fscharts.com

 

 

- All other pilot resources including but not limited to charts, elevation, radio frequencies, nav frequencies, runway lengths, even runway weight bearing capacities. : http://www.airnav.com, Airnav is the best website for pilot resources IMHO, excluding flight planning.

 

Best of all.. It's free!

I've made a big list of European flight planning resource at http://viaintercity.com/forums/general-discussion/flight-planning-and-routing-resources/

 

The most valuable one is www.aircharts.org as you get most European charts from one website without needing to register or deal with a complex user interface .

Thanks for the sites.  I'll check them out.

 

 

- All other pilot resources including but not limited to charts, elevation, radio frequencies, nav frequencies, runway lengths, even runway weight bearing capacities. : 

It's US only.

 

EAD.eurocontrol is the best site for Europe charts, but it requires free registration, or you can visit AIP webpage of European country you want to fly in and download it without registration.

 

 

It's US only.

 

Right.. Sorry. I got carried away, lol.

While you're at it be sure to also check out EFASS (http://froom.de/efass/) and Simbrief (http://www.simbrief.com/home/). Both are free and both are superb.

 

Yes, you have to sign up but that is a small price to pay for free services that easily rival payware stuff.

European Union Current charts are here:

 

http://ead-website.ead-it.com/publicuser/public/pu/login.jsp where you can also acquire the free registration. You'll get an e-mail reply with a temporary password. Login with that temp password and then change it to whatever you wish from the top menu bar. Log in again to insure it is OK.

 

Click Enter Applications. Click PAMS light (AIP). A query screen will open.

 

Enter the Authority Code (such as EG for the United Kingdom or scroll through the list and click choice. Select Authority Type as Civil, Language EN, AIP type Charts, Part AD for Airport Charts.

 

If you know the full ICAO code click Advanced, then Search.

 

In the POP-UP Enter*ICAO* such as *EGSS*. The * is a wild card so all EGSS (Stansted Airport) documents will appear with five columns. The last is the chart title. The third column is the link to the .pdf file and click to download.

 

It will open in Acrobat Reader plug-in. Save it from there and print if you wish for reference when flying. I keep my hard copy alphabetized by airport location in a file drawer.

 

Note that these are current charts and may differ from your installed FS scenery and RC's comm frequency database.

 

If you do not do the advanced search then all charts for that authority will list and that can be many pages.

 

If you want enroute charts deselect advanced and just search by authority code and Type Charts and Part ENR instead of AD. You'll get a list of a sorts or charts including special airspace.

 

You can try flightaware if one end is in FAA territory and has arrived. It may include over water coordinates. Pick an arrived flight and you may get the waypoints for the non-FAA areas.

 

I use fsbuild 2.4's automatic routing which does quite well to get a route. I update its AIRAC with time subscriptions annually. I use NavData Pro from Aerosoft. For the duration of the AIRAC you can get as many proprietary formats as required for that one purchase fee. Navigraph.com operates similar AIRAC update policies. I download PMDG, FS Build, and ISG (instruments) formats all for that single payment for one update.

 

Other planners operate similarly as well.

 

To use FS Build and coordinate SIDs and STARs with RC, here's how I do it:

 

----------------------

 

FSB tips:

1. Include this line in FSbuild.cfg:
NAVCHKDUPDIST=100
This decreases the chance of using the wrong duplicate named local (to the airport) waypiont from a nearby airport. Local waypoint names are not exclusive. It decreases the database search when it is named in the route to within a 100 nm radius of your airport. You will find these in terminal procedures such as "D" number something within a SID or STAR to define a merge or turning point.

2. When doing a Auto Generate (Route) be sure the SR (Stored Route) button next to it is "up" that is not highlighted. Auto Generate will use a stored route if found by default and most are out of date with old waypoints and terminal procedures. Having Stored Routes off forces it to search a path with fresh data. (Now off by default in version 2.4.)

**REVISED 6/16/11**  3. FS Build database updates will be exclusively released through navigraph.com. It should be part of the FMC data line. For those not familiar with Navigraph each subscription term (cycle) includes multiple format downloads at no additional cost. This is very convenient for aligning FMC/navigation equipment databases with the flightplanner so among other things ATC data and your nav equipment data should match as you send a plan to ATC and then load it including terminal procedures into your FMC. The 2.4 upgrade includes the thirteenth cycle of 2010. The FSB upgrade is free to 2.x version users and is available via your order history on simmarket.com.

4. Where an airport uses specific runways for different terminal procedures select the runway using an estimate based on weather and if the runway fits your aircraft requirements before doing the Auto Generate. This helps select the correct SID and STAR for the runway and direction of departure and arrival.

5. After the Auto Generate and/or first build look at the map created to spot any obvious errors. In the route grid look for any sudden non-sensible changes in direction  or extremely long legs not in the correct direction creating a zig-zag in the map. (See item 6 following to correct).

6. Be aware there is an option you can set for each session titled "Build Route from Grid Table". It does not stick between sessions. This lets you build from an edited route grid that you may have modified without recreating the table with the same error on your next build/export. For example you might wish to drop an errant waypoint when proofing the map and rebuilding.

7. Sometimes the name of a procedure (SID/STAR) does not match the name exactly in a published route and the procedure will not expand into its plan waypoints in the grid table. You can click on the arrow in the SID/STAR box to see what close name is in the FSB database. (Another reason to keep up with AIRACS.) For example KMSP has a current real such as this one:

http://flightaware.com/resources/airport/KMSP/DP/WAUKON+THREE

but the FSB database only has UKN2. (It does have UKN3 now with the latest available AIRAC update). If so in the route line just change UKN3 to UKN2 so it will expand. Here's a real route from flightaware.com for KMSP to KMDW:

KMSP UKN3 DBQ CVA MOTIF3 KMDW

that can be pasted into the FSB route line. If UKN3 or MOTIF3 does not expand in the route grid to individual way points look in the upper part of FSB in the airport section dropping down the SID or STAR box to get the available version and substitute that label in the route line and rebuild. Note that the SID and STAR dropdowns may follow the chosen runway in certain areas.

8. Sometimes it takes a second build to get the map to move and/or magnify. The mouse scroll wheel lets you magnify. Just click on the portion of the map you want to center on and scroll to magnify.

9. If you click on a line in the route grid table to highlight it, the waypoint on the map will turn red. This is useful for finding errant waypoints that cause an error in the path. That line can then be edited or deleted and a rebuild accomplished with the build option to build from the route grid table.

10. If you are running a weather program such as active sky, first build the route in FSB exporting to FS9 using an anticipated cruise altitude and specify the nearest aircraft profile. In AS get the weather you wish to use. (I always get the weather for the zulu time of the departure in FS since time of day affects weather characteristics). Import the plan into AS via the new route button, check the altitude and choose an appropriate true airspeed in knots (this is your no wind ground speed). Process the route. When it is finished click the button to print a hard copy of all. Use this AS navlog for METAR data at both ends and winds aloft and temperature aloft that can be used for FMC data. (You'll also get your estimated average wind at your specified altitude - handy for FMC data.) Leave AS running. Now go back to FSB and your chosen aircraft profile. Enter the surface temperature from your departure METAR, then estimated total taxi time, hold time, and extra time (sometimes called discretionary fuel). Now turn on again your FS9 export along with any FMC export you might use. Rebuild and you'll see the messages regarding the export completion. On the route selection on the left which brings up your route window select the navlog tab and click the .pdf to save the navlog in a file or the print button to get a hard copy so you can easily reference the estimated fuel and other data. This estimated fuel has now taken into account your winds aloft data - no need to enter it in FSB. Now that you have the hard copy and exported your route, you can first optionally save the plan by selecting flightplan window, then clicking the category tab, then select user category. Now click file, save from the menu bar.  The name you might want to embellish. Click Save Route To User Flight Plans. For another session, you can recall this working plan and just build.

11. If you are using an aircraft with nav equipment that has its own terminal data procedures in its nav equipment (think FMC) you might wish to use step 6 above to take out the waypoints of the terminal procedures keeping just the transition points and build and export with just them. This easily in most cases lets you select the SID and STAR assigned by ATC on your nav equipment by providing a clean legs list in your nav equipment. If you need ATC to monitor the waypoints of the terminal procedure than just export all. To keep ATC and you nav equipment in sync, you might consider importing the full plan into your nav equipment and not using your nav equipment procedure database.

This is kind of long but through experience I've described some tricks I've used watching out for any pitfalls.

Be sure to check the FSBuild forum for updates.
 

European Union Current charts are here:

 

http://ead-website.ead-it.com/publicuser/public/pu/login.jsp where you can also acquire the free registration. You'll get an e-mail reply with a temporary password. Login with that temp password and then change it to whatever you wish from the top menu bar. Log in again to insure it is OK.

 

Click Enter Applications. Click PAMS light (AIP). A query screen will open.

 

Enter the Authority Code (such as EG for the United Kingdom or scroll through the list and click choice. Select Authority Type as Civil, Language EN, AIP type Charts, Part AD for Airport Charts.

 

If you know the full ICAO code click Advanced, then Search.

 

In the POP-UP Enter*ICAO* such as *EGSS*. The * is a wild card so all EGSS (Stansted Airport) documents will appear with five columns. The last is the chart title. The third column is the link to the .pdf file and click to download.

 

It will open in Acrobat Reader plug-in. Save it from there and print if you wish for reference when flying. I keep my hard copy alphabetized by airport location in a file drawer.

 

Note that these are current charts and may differ from your installed FS scenery and RC's comm frequency database.

 

If you do not do the advanced search then all charts for that authority will list and that can be many pages.

 

If you want enroute charts deselect advanced and just search by authority code and Type Charts and Part ENR instead of AD. You'll get a list of a sorts or charts including special airspace.

 

You can try flightaware if one end is in FAA territory and has arrived. It may include over water coordinates. Pick an arrived flight and you may get the waypoints for the non-FAA areas.

 

I use fsbuild 2.4's automatic routing which does quite well to get a route. I update its AIRAC with time subscriptions annually. I use NavData Pro from Aerosoft. For the duration of the AIRAC you can get as many proprietary formats as required for that one purchase fee. Navigraph.com operates similar AIRAC update policies. I download PMDG, FS Build, and ISG (instruments) formats all for that single payment for one update.

 

Other planners operate similarly as well.

 

To use FS Build and coordinate SIDs and STARs with RC, here's how I do it:

 

----------------------

 

FSB tips:

 

1. Include this line in FSbuild.cfg:

NAVCHKDUPDIST=100

This decreases the chance of using the wrong duplicate named local (to the airport) waypiont from a nearby airport. Local waypoint names are not exclusive. It decreases the database search when it is named in the route to within a 100 nm radius of your airport. You will find these in terminal procedures such as "D" number something within a SID or STAR to define a merge or turning point.

 

2. When doing a Auto Generate (Route) be sure the SR (Stored Route) button next to it is "up" that is not highlighted. Auto Generate will use a stored route if found by default and most are out of date with old waypoints and terminal procedures. Having Stored Routes off forces it to search a path with fresh data. (Now off by default in version 2.4.)

 

**REVISED 6/16/11**  3. FS Build database updates will be exclusively released through navigraph.com. It should be part of the FMC data line. For those not familiar with Navigraph each subscription term (cycle) includes multiple format downloads at no additional cost. This is very convenient for aligning FMC/navigation equipment databases with the flightplanner so among other things ATC data and your nav equipment data should match as you send a plan to ATC and then load it including terminal procedures into your FMC. The 2.4 upgrade includes the thirteenth cycle of 2010. The FSB upgrade is free to 2.x version users and is available via your order history on simmarket.com.

 

4. Where an airport uses specific runways for different terminal procedures select the runway using an estimate based on weather and if the runway fits your aircraft requirements before doing the Auto Generate. This helps select the correct SID and STAR for the runway and direction of departure and arrival.

 

5. After the Auto Generate and/or first build look at the map created to spot any obvious errors. In the route grid look for any sudden non-sensible changes in direction  or extremely long legs not in the correct direction creating a zig-zag in the map. (See item 6 following to correct).

 

6. Be aware there is an option you can set for each session titled "Build Route from Grid Table". It does not stick between sessions. This lets you build from an edited route grid that you may have modified without recreating the table with the same error on your next build/export. For example you might wish to drop an errant waypoint when proofing the map and rebuilding.

 

7. Sometimes the name of a procedure (SID/STAR) does not match the name exactly in a published route and the procedure will not expand into its plan waypoints in the grid table. You can click on the arrow in the SID/STAR box to see what close name is in the FSB database. (Another reason to keep up with AIRACS.) For example KMSP has a current real such as this one:

 

http://flightaware.com/resources/airport/KMSP/DP/WAUKON+THREE

 

but the FSB database only has UKN2. (It does have UKN3 now with the latest available AIRAC update). If so in the route line just change UKN3 to UKN2 so it will expand. Here's a real route from flightaware.com for KMSP to KMDW:

 

KMSP UKN3 DBQ CVA MOTIF3 KMDW

 

that can be pasted into the FSB route line. If UKN3 or MOTIF3 does not expand in the route grid to individual way points look in the upper part of FSB in the airport section dropping down the SID or STAR box to get the available version and substitute that label in the route line and rebuild. Note that the SID and STAR dropdowns may follow the chosen runway in certain areas.

 

8. Sometimes it takes a second build to get the map to move and/or magnify. The mouse scroll wheel lets you magnify. Just click on the portion of the map you want to center on and scroll to magnify.

 

9. If you click on a line in the route grid table to highlight it, the waypoint on the map will turn red. This is useful for finding errant waypoints that cause an error in the path. That line can then be edited or deleted and a rebuild accomplished with the build option to build from the route grid table.

 

10. If you are running a weather program such as active sky, first build the route in FSB exporting to FS9 using an anticipated cruise altitude and specify the nearest aircraft profile. In AS get the weather you wish to use. (I always get the weather for the zulu time of the departure in FS since time of day affects weather characteristics). Import the plan into AS via the new route button, check the altitude and choose an appropriate true airspeed in knots (this is your no wind ground speed). Process the route. When it is finished click the button to print a hard copy of all. Use this AS navlog for METAR data at both ends and winds aloft and temperature aloft that can be used for FMC data. (You'll also get your estimated average wind at your specified altitude - handy for FMC data.) Leave AS running. Now go back to FSB and your chosen aircraft profile. Enter the surface temperature from your departure METAR, then estimated total taxi time, hold time, and extra time (sometimes called discretionary fuel). Now turn on again your FS9 export along with any FMC export you might use. Rebuild and you'll see the messages regarding the export completion. On the route selection on the left which brings up your route window select the navlog tab and click the .pdf to save the navlog in a file or the print button to get a hard copy so you can easily reference the estimated fuel and other data. This estimated fuel has now taken into account your winds aloft data - no need to enter it in FSB. Now that you have the hard copy and exported your route, you can first optionally save the plan by selecting flightplan window, then clicking the category tab, then select user category. Now click file, save from the menu bar.  The name you might want to embellish. Click Save Route To User Flight Plans. For another session, you can recall this working plan and just build.

 

11. If you are using an aircraft with nav equipment that has its own terminal data procedures in its nav equipment (think FMC) you might wish to use step 6 above to take out the waypoints of the terminal procedures keeping just the transition points and build and export with just them. This easily in most cases lets you select the SID and STAR assigned by ATC on your nav equipment by providing a clean legs list in your nav equipment. If you need ATC to monitor the waypoints of the terminal procedure than just export all. To keep ATC and you nav equipment in sync, you might consider importing the full plan into your nav equipment and not using your nav equipment procedure database.

 

This is kind of long but through experience I've described some tricks I've used watching out for any pitfalls.

 

Be sure to check the FSBuild forum for updates.

Very good information, thanks.