Description
KMIC - Cyrstal Aiport
Crystal airport is a reliever airport in the northwest suburbs of Minneapolis-St. Paul in Minnesota which originally opened in the 1940's. This airport saw a major reconfiguration in the fall of 2020 which this scenery intends to fix. The major changes are the removal of runway 14R-32L which was replaced with taxiway G and the extending of the former runway 14L-32R (now renamed 14-32) by roughly 500 feet. This scenery depicts the view of the airport based on the photos I was able to find during the construction. Thus the grass is newly growing after completion of the construction.
UPDATE 10/20/2024 (MSFS2024) v2.0
- Rebuilt in MSFS 2024
- Removal of excessivly large hangers which are now generated in 2024
- Updated the taxiways on the north end of the airport to current location with ground textures (original version was an educated guess since the updated textures didn't exist yet)
- Added fence around the field
- Added a few more hangars and parking spaces
- Adjusted taxiway markings to match current markings
- Repositioned taxi lights (IRL there are a number of reflectors used, I haven't found that scenery item in the delivered objects so they are lights in the project)
- Replaced the 2020 library items with stock objects (as of current writing, the LOD's aren't very good on them so they disappear fairly quickly though)
Note: This is my first 2024 project and as I am short on time I stopped here. Hoping time allows for more updates to other projects in the future.
UPDATE 10/29/2021 (MSFS2020) v1.1
Based on user comments, I have modified the texture and color of the runway/Taxiway G to fix some color issues. I stopped by the airport to check it out for my first time post-Construction and found a few things I could update:
- Added cones to the grass runway
- Non-movement area by the tower has changed. It now reflects the current airport ground markings
- Night lighting added, especially by Thunderbird FBO
- Fuel tanks added by the tower as they are fairly new
- Static objects around the airport including some autogen buildings replaced by generic hangars.
Installation:
Extract the package from the zip file and copy to your Community folder
As always, enjoy flying in Minnesota!
Comments(26)
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Log In2 months ago
3 months ago
3 months ago
8 months ago
Otherwise the updated layout is really appreciated, the accurate taxiways are very nicely done
8 months ago
I do have the project files for 2020 but no longer have that sim loaded. At some point I hope to make the jump into the 2024 SDK but that hasn't happened yet. When I do get around to trying it, I'll make MIC the first on the list for 2024. Thanks for your continued use of the scenery!
over 2 years ago
It's my home field. I grew up and currently live within a few miles of Crystal Airport. I actually ride my bike over a few times a week in nice weather to have a look around. N420WC, the actual real-world helicopter that I fly in the sim has been working out of a hanger near the control tower since April. There's a new taxiway paralleling Bottineau Blvd. It connects Thunderbird Aviation to the hangers across the field to the north. I also saw them running wiring along the right side of 6R for more lighting. BTW, I like the bear.
over 2 years ago
over 2 years ago
about 4 years ago
Looks great man! I’m currently a student and also work at the flight school here!
is it hard to add buildings with the editor? There are just a few hangers that are missing I wanted to add in assuming you aren’t working on this project anymore.
Still amazing job!
about 4 years ago
Nice to hear from other local MN pilots! I can respond via PM about how to make changes.
over 4 years ago
This was nicely done. It is great flying from KSTP to here and back.
Though I must say the runway textures do look different from satellite imagery.
Looks great though.
over 4 years ago
I was looking more at the construction photos than satellite photos when making this one. Especially since I didn't have any satellite photos of the construction process. Over time I'm sure the satellite photos would be updated and I can get a more current view. Or I can drive over and take a look at the real location. :) I haven't been over there yet this year.
over 4 years ago
Hi, I was just finishing the same mods to KMIC when I accidentally came across your work. I have been working on a Toolkit to make the updating of Stock Airports from MSFS much easier. e.g. Using ADE, get the taxipoint index from each end of a taxiway, select the Taxiway Name and HIT Process. Whilst not yet perfect, it really speeds up selecting each path in ADE and changing them that way.
The main purpose of the original tool kit was to be able import KML from Google Earth Pro, and generate Aprons and Taxiway Paths and especially Taxisigns.
I am based in Hugo, MN, so I tend towards local airports as well. I looked at KANE but there are no buildings. Whilst I was able to build entire airports in FSX, I can't get my head around Blender and 3D Studio is well outside my budget.
I've finished KSTP - St Paul, and I am getting close to finishing Rochester KRST. I've published KMSP for FSX a few years ago on FSDeveloper I think, but I can't find it now. Then I set off on KORD, trying to keep up with a moving target. Then MSFS came along, and I just bought the FlightBeam version.
Anyway, if you are interested in anything I've mentioned here, would like to collaborate on projects etc. Let me know.
Martin
over 4 years ago
Martin - sounds like you've been at this much longer than I have. I also got my start by modifying MN airports in FSX. I also have no idea how to use blender! You may be able to find some of the airports I've uploaded to this site so far, KANE is one of them (it's my "home" airport as I'm in Coon Rapids). I haven't done anything to STP or RST so I'd be happy to see what you have. I can't imagine trying to work on ORD! I am curious on how your process to rename taxiways works seeing there are so many that are wrong in the sim. Let me know if you've got a video, I would love to see it!
Ben
over 4 years ago
Hi Ben, I will certainly put something together so you can see what is does. Just added a Painted Line Generator today, and each time I attempt to do something, another idea pops up, resulting in a perpetual project. I will be in touch.
over 4 years ago
Maybe this is a SU5 thing. But, the runway and the taxiway surfaces look very "speckled."
over 4 years ago
Not sure, I'll take a look, but probably not this week as I'm pretty busy.
about 5 years ago
THANK YOU ~MN guy!!
KMIC - Crystal Airport
Experience the revamped KMIC - Crystal Airport in Minnesota with this scenery add-on. Explore the removal of runway 14R-32L, extension of runway 14L-32R, and updated taxiway layout. Additionally, enjoy added taxiway signs, generic hangars, and missing approaches for a more immersive flight experience.
User Reviews
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More Information
Version History
- Rebuilt in MSFS 2024 - Removal of excessivly large hangers which are now generated in 2024 - Updated the taxiways on the north end of the airport to current location with ground textures (original version was an educated guess since the updated textures didn't exist yet) - Added fence around the field - Added a few more hangars and parking spaces - Adjusted taxiway markings to match current markings - Repositioned taxi lights (IRL there are a number of reflectors used, I haven't found that scenery item in the delivered objects so they are lights in the project) - Replaced the 2020 library items with stock objects (as of current writing, the LOD's aren't very good on them so they disappear fairly quickly though)
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