Download the required GAAR 2009 Event zip file containing Event and Flight Briefings and Flight Situation Files for both FS9 and FSX.  Unzip the enclosed files and follow the enclosed instructions.

Note:  The Flight Situation Files have been created using a standard installation of FS9 and FSX.  Any add-on scenery you have installed may realign runway positions and, therefore, the aircraft starting position.  In the event of this occurring, re-position the aircraft at the designated runway or runway of your choice.

GAAR 2009 - Event & Flight Briefings & Flight Situation Files

Weather Information

The weather information for each Flight Leg is contained in the following Adobe (pdf) and MS Excel (xls) files.  Whilst the information is provided in a table, the data is generally consistent with the METAR format.  The table has also been set up as a worksheet for recording your target times and recorded flight times.

GAAR 2009 Weather (pdf format)

GAAR 2009 Weather (xls format)

Information on the METAR format is provided at the following link.

METAR Help

Fireworks Scenery File (by John Lawler)

If you remember the fireworks at Darwin at the end of the GAAR 2007, well this is bigger and better.

GAAR 2009 Fireworks

X-Plane Flight Situation Files

The GAAR 2009 Flight Situation Files for X-Plane can be downloaded from the following link.  Note: This file is the updated file (as at 28 Jan 09).

GAAR 2009 X-Plane Flight Situation Files

Aerodrome and Procedure Charts

For those participants who are serious about Departure and Approach Procedures, the respective Aerodrome and Procedures Charts (real world charts) are available for download / printing at the web link below.  If it's not there, it doesn't exist.

Aerodrome and Procedures Charts

Optional Downloads

There are a range of freeware add-ons that will enhance the scenery for the GAAR 2009.   In particular, the VOZ freeware scenery by Vista Australis is excellent, albeit large in size.  It can be downloaded effectively on a broadband DSL or cable connection, otherwise it is offered on CD by many online flight sim stores for the price of the CD and postage.  Version 1.8 has been released and this is a complete package, not an upgrade of previous versions.  It can be downloaded at the link below. 

Vista Australis

A range of freeware terrain mesh  is also available and adds good relief to a sometimes featureless default terrain, particularly in FS9.  The Australian SRTM terrain mesh by Andy Weir is excellent and can be downloaded as a complete set for the whole of Australia at the link below.

Andy Weir's Australian Terrain Mesh

If you just want files for GAAR route you can download them at the AVSIM web site under the following file names.

Avsim

Northern Territory:
- ntsrtm1.zip
- ntsrtm2.zip
- ntsrtm3.zip
- ntsrtm4.zip
- ntsrtm6.zip

East Timor:
- timoreast.zip

Western Australia:
- wasrtm1.zip
- wasrtm2.zip
- wasrtm3.zip
- wasrtm4.zip
- wasrtm5.zip
- wasrtm6.zip
- wasrtm7.zip
- wasrtm8.zip
- wasrtm9.zip
- wasrtm10.zip

For FSX users, Aussie-x have released scenery files to enhance VFR flying in Australia.   The file can be downloaded at the Aussie-x web site at the link below, but beware, it is approximately 1.33GB in size.

OZx Scenery Files

Also for FSX users, Holger Sandmann's terrain mesh is recommended.  It can be downloaded at the link below.  Note:   Microsoft .NET Framework 3.x must be installed on Windows XP PC prior to installation.

Holger Sandmann's Terrain Mesh