Runways

Runway legendRunways are pretty complex since they have so many options. You can use the default FS runways or custom ones. The custom runways allow you to set the texture and will lie underneath lines. FS runways use built-in textures and they always cover lines.

 

General settings

  • Length: Enter the runway's length in feet.
  • Width: Enter the runway's width inm feet.
  • Threshold: If you want the runway's threshold to be offset, enter a value here (feet). A threshold offset shortens the usable runway length. The offset will be visible on both runway ends. It will shorten the usable length by threshold offset x 2. Set the value to 0 if you don't want a threshold offset.
  • Extension: Enter a value (feet) if you want to add a runway extension. An extension is added to the runway's length. The extension will be visible on both runway ends. Set the value to 0 if you don't want any extension.
  • Heading: Enter the runway heading (0° - 359°). Note that you must enter a true heading, not a magnetic one. Some aiport charts will read magnetic headings. Magnetic headings must be converted to true headings. Read tutorial 1 in order to find out how to find a runway's true heading.
    The runway end which you would approach at the heading entered here is called the near end. The far end is on the opposite side.
  • ID: The runway ID consists of a number sometimes followed by a letter designation (L=left, C=center or R=right). The number usually is the runway heading divided by 10 (no rounding) and is placed at the runway's near end. The ID on the far end will be computed by GroundMaker. ID numbers range from 1-36. Example: At a runway heading of 234 the ID number on the near end would read 23. Note that you should use 36 for 0°. You can add a letter designation (L,C,R) when there are parallel runways.
    IDs do not always match the runway heading. Look for airport charts or information regarding the airport you are working on.

 

Surface settings

There various options to set the runway's surface. The check boxes on the left influence runway markings. Please refer to the chart on the right for an explanation of runway markings.

The SURFACE TYPE options set the runway's surface. There are 9 preset surface types available. Selecting one of them will export the runway as a default FS runway. Selecting the CUSTOM (DRAW LINES ON TOP) surface type will enable the custom runway options. Select a texture for your custom runway. If you want SKID MARKS or DIRT effects enable the options. Set the MARKING COLOR by clicking on the box. White is the default marking color.

 

Light properties

Check the ENABLE LIGHT option if you want runway lights.

  • Low/high intensity: These settings influence the brightness of runway side and center lights.
  • Center lights: Check if you want lights on the centerline. Lights are only visible at night, dusk dawn or at low visibility conditions.
  • Touch-down zone lights:  Enables lights in the touch-down area. You must enable the touchdown markers in the SURFACE tab. Lights are only visible at night, dusk dawn or at low visibility conditions.
  • VASI/PAPI: they are always visible. The slope you enter will be used for the runway's ILS slope. Default angle is 3°.
  • Aproach lights: There are various approach light systems available. They are only visible at night, dusk dawn or at low visibility conditions.

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GroundMaker will use custom lights when a custom runway texture has been set (SURFACE tab).

 

Custom runways

A new runway type has been added. It lets you set your own surface texture, marking color and lets you add skid marks and dirt effects to it. Furthermore, lines are visible on top (taxiway centerlines). Enable custom runways by selecting the CUSTOM item in the SURFACE TYPE drop down box (SURFACE tab in runway settings dialog). Select a texture and marking color in the box beneath. The runway textures are formatted the same way as the default FS runway textures (4 vertical stripes). If you want to use your own skid mark and dirt textures, open the FILE\ PROJECT SETTINGS... dialog, click the EXTRA FEATURES tab and browse for your own textures in the CUSTOM RUNWAYS section. These textures must be formatted in a special way (look at how they are made for now).

Since custom runways are not fully implemented, some features like approach and VASI/PAPI lights do not work. It is not recommended to make your own skid-mark or dirt textures since the texture layout may be changed in the future.