How do you build a realistic looking airport?

[DEMCAD 1]

My airports always have parallel runways, which look very unrealistic. How can I make my airports more realistic?

What type of files should I get?

Here's what my airport looks like?

[michaelshayne 0]

wow thats a big airport i wish i could mine to look like that

[Cob92 360]

I'd just like to know where I can get some taxiways for modular airports.

[hawkpride147 1]

actually many airports in RL have parallel runways. but read the readmes with the airport packs for advice on building your airport.

[patriots_1228 51]

i cant build airports for my life. i still use maxis

[pilotdaryl 25]

I'm here.  First of all, a few tips:

--Try going on Google Maps or Google Earth and browse some airports, study their layout.
--I see you're using the old Joerg pack.  Try searching airport on the STEX and download these recommended packs:
-SWAP v2.3
-ACE Airport Pack Base Pack and Addons
-All RMIP-2 runway packs (also, if you want wider runways try downloading RMIP-1, and DON'T use the SWAP wide runways)

Unfortunately (since this is an old airport pack with many bugs), you will have to destroy and rebuild the whole complex.  This is to avoid game crashes and the like.  Also, as soon as the original complex is destroyed, don't forget to delete the Joerg airport pack file in your plugins folder.

Second, I'd like to point some things out:
--There are too many runways
--There isn't any proper airport maintenance (for refueling, storage, etc) and there isn't any proper cargo terminal.
--These terminals are the original ones, they are better as modular terminals (try the ACE pack--handy indeed)
--The airport is a bit large-probably making it a little smaller will help

Now for a few layout tips:

--Try making an airport with two or three east-west parralel runways.  Make sure there are taxiways in between and there are plenty of taxiway connections.  Also, m ake sure there is at least 4 tiles clearance between the taxiways and the runways.
--Try searching on Google Earth airport terminal layouts.  The most suitable layout is a terminal on the south side with main complex and concourses extending east and west.
--Otherwise you may want a pier terminal, with a main complex and concourses extending out from the terminal, towards the runway.
--Try placing the maintenance facilities on the north side of the runways.

These are just basic tips to building airports.  If you need any more help, you can always ask me.  Good luck with the airport!

--Pilot

[hawkpride147 1]

^^ there you have it from one of the geniuses who gave us the ability to have custom airports...listen to him...his are absolutely incredible!

[jabezscratch 159]

In planning my international airport for my region, I looked through Wikipedia at the largest airports in the world and found that most have (only) around five main runways. I say "only" b/c that surpirsed me a bit as I thought they'd have more. My point and humble suggestion is that you decrease the number of runways and focus more on making the fewer number of them look better.

I find building custom airports very difficult -- not so much piecing them together but just making them look decent and relatively "real-world."

[LP 1]

The big thing to remember is not to try too hard. If you're bad at building big, start small. Make sure you have all the right materials too.

Btw... get rid of that SWAP stuff, get the new RMIP runways and Ace's terminal packs, much better stuff.

Also, don't get too attached to them, you'll end up not liking what you have and just blowing it up many, many, many times.

Oh... and look at other airports for inspiration. Heres a few I just so happen to have.

Both of these are third or fourth generations of the origional, had to keep on demolishing to get what I want.

[jabezscratch 159]

Why can't my airports look like that??

[LP 1]

Because your name is too complicated and your avatar is grainy.

[Something_started 5]

wow that has little to nothing to with.... this.

just work at it. and have lots of money for your city.

[jabezscratch 159]

Originally posted by: LP Because your name is too complicated and your avatar is grainy. quote>

 

Hmmm, not sure what to make of that.

[penguin007 27]

I downloaded all the packs above. What do u use for filler lots grass same colour as around the taxiways and runways

Will

[Elaclairee 0]

In the runway pack there are a set of grass lots of variable sizes. These can be found at the very bottom of the airport menu.

[penguin007 27]

I couldn't find anything at the bottom of the menu but found a grass filler lot on the STEX but I will look again.

Another qeustion I have thought of pilotdaryl mentioned There isn't any proper airport maintenance (for refueling, storage, etc) and there isn't any proper cargo terminal.

Where can you get these?

Will

[SimRabbit 48]

WOW thats a big ass airport, im getting this stuff you mentioned right away!!!

[Elaclairee 0]

If there are none, you can't get any. There may be some in the future, but for now you just have to either make one yourself or hope someone will make one. The grass lots may be at the bottom of the parks menu too... I'm not entirely sure. Theres a 1x1, 2x2, 3x3, and a 4x4 grass lot, as well as a straight, diagonal, and curved fence 1x1 lot, all bunched together at some point, came with one of the RMIP sets.

[JFman00 1]

They're in the parks menu, not in airports. Also there are no RMIP compatible support lots out to my knowledge.

[DEMCAD 1]

Here's a look at my new airports.

Photo of Madison-Eastland International Airport

Photo of Wellington international Airport

Check out my city journal at the Federal Republic of Centonia

[penguin007 27]

thanks

[Cob92 360]

DEMCAD, your airport's taxiways could use some work. I'd suggest downloading the SWAP to get proper turns and diagonals. You also went a little over the top with the length of your runways.

[JFman00 1]

I entirely disagree. While yeah, your taxiways could be prettier. Your runways aren't nearly long enough. 1 medium city tile = 1 mi x 1 mi. A runway at O'Hare: 12,800 feet.

[hawkpride147 1]

yeah and at DFW, they are 13,800 feet. the runways are good, but the taxiways could use some work, they look alot better than the originals...you're starting to get the hang of it...

[DFire870 2]

I was wondering, what's the scale to use when building runways? I remember seeing it somewhere before, but I completely forgot (haven't built an airport in a while). Is it 1 tile equals 16 meters?

[JFman00 1]

1 tile is 16 meters. A medium city is 100x100 tiles

[JFman00 1]

Runway dimensions vary from as small as 800 feet (240 m) long and 25 feet (8 m) wide in smaller general aviation airports, to 18,000 feet (5,500 m) long and 250 feet (80 m) wide at large international airports built to accommodate large passenger jets. In terms of usability for air carrier operations, a runway of at least 6,000 ft (1,820 m) in length is usually adequate for aircraft weights below approximately 200,000 lb (90,900 kg). Larger aircraft including widebodies (Boeing 747, 767, 777, and 787 ); Airbus A-340, A-330, A-350 (still in design), A-380 and A-310; McDonnell-Douglas DC-10 or MD-11; and the Lockheed L1011 will usually require at least 8,000 ft (2,430 m) at sea level and somewhat more at higher altitude airports.

Also please remember, the numbers are directional headings (9=90 degrees (east) 27=270 (west) etc.) and runways can be used in both directions. Also, PLEASE TAKE NOTE of regulations regarding runway markings: http://www.usatoday.com/travel/columnist/getline/2006-02-27-ask-the-captain_x.htm

Visual runways have NO markings (no threshold! no aiming point! no stripes!

Non-precision, instrument runways have a threshold, designators (36L) and an aiming point.

Precision instrument runways:

[bartonn 0]

Slightly off topic but is there any download to add jobs to my own custom built airports?

[tungston 19]

Originally posted by: JFman00 1 tile is 16 meters. A medium city is 100x100 tilesquote>

 

Trivia:

 

Tiles are 16 meters square

Small city=64x64 tiles

Medium city=128x128 tiles

Large city=256x256 tiles

[extech 0]

Runway dimensions vary from as small as 800 feet (240 m) long and 25 feet (8 m) wide in smaller general aviation airports, to 18,000 feet (5,500 m) long and 250 feet (80 m) wide at large international airports built to accommodate large passenger jets. In terms of usability for air carrier operations, a runway of at least 6,000 ft (1,820 m) in length is usually adequate for aircraft weights below approximately 200,000 lb (90,900 kg). Larger aircraft including widebodies (Boeing 747, 767, 777, and 787 ); Airbus A-340, A-330, A-350 (still in design), A-380 and A-310; McDonnell-Douglas DC-10 or MD-11; and the Lockheed L1011 will usually require at least 8,000 ft (2,430 m) at sea level and somewhat more at higher altitude airports.

Also please remember, the numbers are directional headings (9=90 degrees (east) 27=270 (west) etc.) and runways can be used in both directions. Also, PLEASE TAKE NOTE of regulations regarding runway markings: http://www.usatoday.com/travel/columnist/getline/2006-02-27-ask-the-captain_x.htm
quote>

I got an f'ng headache reading that.