Disabling ILS

[cj241101]

In an attempt to provide greater authenticity for my 1960's/1970's FS2004 AI traffic I would like to deactivate instrument landing systems at some airports that have them in FS2004, both in default and add-on sceneries, but which didn't have them back in that era.  Particularly at my local airport of London-Luton EGGW.  Hearing a Vickers Viking announcing itself as "10 miles inbound ILS runway 8" when that runway didn't get an ILS until 1987 kind of has a detrimental effect on reality.  One solution of course would be to create my own version of the airport.  Wish I were that clever - I might manage a basic version of the airport but custom buildings would be my undoing.  Any other suggestions welcome.

[Tom/CalClassic]

Removing ILS frequencies can be done using AFCAD or ADE. But that won't stop the ATC problem you mention - that is due to ILS *approaches*, not frequencies. To remove those you would need to use ADE.

1. Open the airport in ADE. If a default airport File/Open Stock Airport, if an addon File/Open Airport from BGL. Browse to the airport's BGL file.
2. Click the black Approach Mode button in the upper right.
3. Choose Lists/Approaches. Are there ILS approaches listed?
4. If yes, click on one and click Delete. Repeat as needed. Also remove any GPS or RNAV approaches (modern), but leave any NDB and VOR approaches. You should leave one approach in the list.
5. If not, click the green Airport Mode button at the upper right, then choose Tools/Load Stock Data.
5. Check Approaches and Navaids & Waypoints. Click Import.
6. Return to Approach Mode, and perform steps 3 and 4 again.
7. Choose File/Save Airport, save as an AD4 file in the Projects folder for any future editing that may be required (do not open the BGL file for editing again).
8. Choose File/Compile Airport, I normally compile to the folder where the original airport BGL file was located, for default airports I use Addon Scenery/scenery.
9. If an addon airport, move the original airport's BGL file to the parent folder of the scenery and texture folders (for safekeeping).

A potential issue. If custom buildings are included in the ADE file itself (i.e. the airport's BGL file is larger than 50K or so) these will be lost in this process. Other things can be done but it is a bit more complicated.

Hope this helps,

[cj241101]

Thanks Tom for a prompt reply. I think "proceed with caution" will be a wise move, not having had much experience with ADE - so far. Removing some custom buildings as well would be helpful as several of those included in EGGW scenery weren't there until the 1980's. Will see what is listed and, as you suggest, keep a back up in case it all goes wrong. Some experimentation with ADE, maybe at a different airport, before I try tackling anything.

The runway 26 ILS wasn't operational until 1969 and for 08 it was 1987. Half mile radar talkdowns were used prior to that if a visual approach wasn't possible. After jet operations became regular in 1968 an "offset visual" approach to 08 was introduced, offset 10 degrees south to 1 mile for noise abatement. An interesting watch! especially for larger jets. Not replicable in FS2004.

Thanks again for your advice.