This week I upgraded to AirNav RadarBox 3D (thank you AirNav) and it was a relatively straight forward process. I opted to install to a new folder which results in new Log, Polar
Plot and configuration files (I have already transferred the Polar Plot file over, and I can import the old log if necessary). It appears that all the files are compatible between versions.
The 3D version is basically the same as the standard version, except there are Map, 3D and Split views. There are plenty of 3D options to play with, and if the aircraft has a model
available, it will display the actual aircraft in 3D. The 3D Full Screen mode is particularly good to watch, you just need to play around with all the standard Google controls to get
your view position right.
I have had a few Google Plug-in hangs in 3D mode, however you can reload the plug-in at the press of a button.
My preference is still for the normal map view, however the 3D option is great to have, partcularly when the traffic is heavy around the airport.
The Green hatch line is two aircraft on approach from the south of Sydney. You can
see their paths diverge for separation as they approach the final turns to line up with
the runway.
This shows a couple of arrivals from the north, the blue sections showing where the
aircraft level off, probably around 6000ft and 4000ft.
Here you can see A6-EBQ operating UAE419 arriving from New Zealand, leveling off on two occasions, overflying the field, then turning to the left for downwind,
base and final. You can see a Jetstar departure for Avalon climbing out below and through the Emirates approach path.
Full Screen view is quite good, with Jetstar VH-VGF operating JQ629 climbing out over Wollongong. There is plenty of activity to the west as well.
Same JQ629 climbing out in close up, the aircraft 3D models are quite good. You can also see an Air New Zealand B767 climbing out to New Zealand just behind it.
This is my favourite screen shot, with UPS MD-11 N259UP operating UPS035 climbing out over Bathurst. The Air New Zealand B767 is climbing
out to the east.
