MSFS simmers know that flying under IFR requires detailed and up-to-date charts for planning approaches, departures, and en-route navigation. While tools like Navigraph have become industry standards for delivering these charts with added features, they come at a cost through subscriptions. Charts Finder 3 presents an alternative solution, offering a lower-cost option for accessing charts directly from official Aeronautical Information Publications (AIPs).
Charts Finder 3 is a standalone application aimed at simplifying the process of accessing IFR charts for airports around the world. Instead of manually searching for charts, simmers can use this app to automatically pull these documents from the official AIPs of over 100 countries.
By offering this functionality as a one-time purchase rather than a subscription, Charts Finder 3 provides a cost-effective solution for simmers who require IFR charts but may not want or need the more integrated features of tools like Navigraph.
How Charts Finder 3 works
The app’s primary function is to download and organize IFR charts for airports based on the user’s input. Users simply enter the ICAO codes of the airports they need, and the app retrieves the charts directly from the official AIP databases. These documents are then organized into folders named by country and ICAO code, making it easy to manage large numbers of charts.
For example, users can input multiple ICAO codes simultaneously—such as for London Heathrow (EGLL) and San Francisco (KSFO)—and download all relevant charts in one go. The charts are automatically named for easy identification, which can be particularly helpful when dealing with charts that otherwise have non-descriptive filenames.
Charts Finder 3 also allows users to add custom resources, should they need charts from countries not covered by the default database. This feature makes the app more versatile for simmers flying in regions with less readily available chart data.
Regular updates with the AIRAC Cycle
The world of aviation changes frequently, and keeping charts up to date is a constant challenge. Charts Finder 3 addresses this by updating its resource database with every AIRAC cycle (the standard 28-day update cycle used in aviation). This ensures that the charts users download are current and accurate. Additionally, the app provides an option for automatic updates, which means simmers can keep their chart libraries up to date with minimal manual effort.
While this feature brings the utility closer to the reliability of more comprehensive platforms, it is important to note that Charts Finder 3 focuses solely on the acquisition and organization of charts, without advanced features like in-sim overlays or route-planning tools.
Checking Charts In-Sim
While Charts Finder 3 operates independently of any flight simulator and doesn’t offer built-in integration, simmers can still view charts directly within their simulator by using add-ons like Sky4Sim Pad. Sky4Sim Pad acts as an in-game tablet that allows users to load and view PDF documents, such as the charts downloaded through Charts Finder 3, without leaving the simulator.
An alternative for a specific audience
For many flight simulation enthusiasts, the most critical feature of IFR charts is their availability and accuracy, rather than integration within the simulator environment. This is where Charts Finder 3 proves its worth. The app’s simplicity—downloading and managing charts outside the sim—appeals to simmers who prefer more traditional methods of flight planning or are looking for a no-frills, affordable option.
With a price point of around $20 USD and available via simMarket, flightsim.to, and Just Flight, Charts Finder 3 offers a one-time solution compared to the recurring costs of services like Navigraph. This lower price point makes it especially attractive for simmers who don’t fly IFR frequently enough to justify the ongoing cost of a subscription.
Ultimately, its simplicity and focus on the core task of chart acquisition make it an appealing choice for flight sim enthusiasts who are seeking a straightforward, budget-friendly option for IFR flying.
