I have two AIRAC database files archived, one is some years old  -  I am not sure where it came from but I think it's for a Wilco/Feelthere aircraft. It is called nd.mdb

 

I also have a later file, still a year or so old (from Navigraph I think) but I wanted to use that instead of the older one. This has an fdb extension however. Are these not compatible - I assume that if FS9 is reading the mdb file OK, replacing it with the fdb file won't work? I can't see anything on Google - it says these are Microsoft Access files (a different file altogether I presume)..

 

I may experiment meanwhile, but thanks for any insight into this!

 

Martin

The AIRAC files are not used by FS9 itself (nor FSX) but are used by some flight planner add-ons and some aircraft add-on instrumentation.

 

When you purchase an add-on that can be updated by an AIRAC it usually comes with a default one that is quite old.

 

I have a Feelthere E-170 and its navdata file is named nd.mdb in the Feelthere folder under FS9. I assume that is it.

Thanks. I have never had Feelthere E-170, so I don't think it came from there.

 

Was really just wondering if anyone knows the difference between mdb and fdb. Are these files only for Feelthere products then? Can one be converted to another? I see that the Feelthere 737 uses an mdb ND file...

 

M.

all feelThere designed aircraft use the 'mdb' file.  it is used by the FMC.  a few other developers also use feelThere 'mdb' file format (i can't remember which 'off the top of my head').  you cannot convert one data file to another format.

 

you can purchase up-to-date AIRAC files from navigraph.  a single cycle purchase is just over $6 -

 

http://www.navigraph.com/FmsDataPricing.aspx

Thanks for the reply. If I purchase a new AIRAC cycle, any idea if I will get mdb or fdb files for Wilco/Feelthere aircraft?

when you purchase a 'cycle' from navigraph you download the correct file for your aircraft(s) -

 

http://www.navigraph.com/FmsDataManualInstall.aspx

 

 

so, in the case of the feelThere designed planes the file will be in 'mdb' format.  if you have other planes the file will be in the data format used by that developer.

Another alternative is Aerosoft's NavData Pro. (They were the first to offer one-time downloads and like Navigraph offers as many formats needed or all formats for the single fee for that term.)

 

NavData's app went through my system as I recall and detected compatible apps and aircraft models. You then select those you want.

 

There is a caveat when using any AIRAC update. These supply current data as seen on current charts and the data may not match default airports, navaids, etc., that are from much older data.

 

If you want to use updated aircraft navigation AIRACs, then use an AIRAC updatable flight planner to keep everything in sync especially when when using ATC. ATC will work off your flight plan so in part by exporting an FS type plan for ATC and then using that plan for your navigation gear everything should be coordinated.

 

I just checked out a free navaid and intersection update service here:

 

http://www.aero.sors.fr/

 

By downloading the appropriate fixes and navaids file they will be added to FS. The fixes are slightly shifted in FS9 but can still be usable. Waypoints not in the default FS9 will now be available on the default GPS map and in the FS flight planner.

 

The fixes provided are for three major continents but every little bit can help.

Many thanks for the replies. (I use FSNav for flight planning - I fly FS9 mostly rather than FSX and PFE for ATC etc.).

 

M.