Approaches 3D Trial Download Page

  Note: This version only works on Windows XP PCs, laptops or EFBs.

Please remember that the product you are downloading is a trial product, We are making it available to interested users in order to demonstrate the unique capabilities in Approaches 3D to the aviation community. W also solicit input and constructive criticism of the product so we can continue to improve it and meet customer requirements!

This trial version expires in 45 days from the beginning of the cycle. Should you want to continue to use Approaches3D after the trial period expires, you must purchase a license for $249, which includes 12 months of Instrument Approach Procedures updates on a 28 day cycle and program enhancements. Future year updates cost $189 per year. Prices are subject to change without notice.

We would like to know what works, and what does not work for you; what features you like, and what you would like us to add. So please send your comments and suggestions via emails to and include the words Approaches 3D User Comments in the subject line.

Please do not use this product to replace legal means of executing approach procedures in flight, and remember it is provided to you with no warranties or claims of proper functionality or fit for any use, aeronautical or otherwise. You can use this product only at your own, and exclusive risk, you explicitly assume all risks and liabilities that might be incurred by using this product.

The trial version of Approaches 3D download on this page is a ZIP. It is close to 1 GB in size, so you should download only on high speed connections. If you would like a DVD of Approaches 3D sent to you, at a cost of $20 to cover shipping and packaging, please contact Maris Paal via email at .

You can download the ZIPped version to your computer, unpack it using Windows Explorer or WINZip to a convenient folder on your system (we recommend putting it on a USB drive so you can install on multiple PCs and EFBs).

Download a ZIP Version of Approaches 3D Trial

To start the installation process, execute the Autorun.EXE program in the root folder of the installation set or media. On some USB Drives DVD Players this program will automatically starts.

An installation of Approaches 3D requires 1Gb of free space on your PC so make sure you will not run out of space on your C: drive or you PC might not work properly afterwards.

When the Autorun program executes you will see a menu

There are several steps to Install Approaches 3D on your PC or EFB:

1. Select the Install Approaches3D option and you will be taken to the next menu.
2. Approaches 3D Require the Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 (.NET FW) or higher to be installed  on your PC, so select .NET Framework if your Computer does not have it (you can check from Start\Control Panel\Add-Remove Software). If your system requires the installation of .NET FW select Install .NET Framework 2.0 and follow he instructions. If your system already has .NET FW 2.0 or higher, the installer will inform you that you do not need to install it, and you can cancel the installation of .NET FW
3. Select the second option Install Approeaches3d. You may and keep the  default installation directory or select a different location (where you might have more free space). Depending on the speed of you system this step can take 5 to 40 minutes.
4. Return to the main installation menu and select Install NAVAirEFB
5. Approaches 3D requires a version of NAVAirEFB to provide GPS position data, so if you do not have NAVAirEFB, use the Full System button to install, an you will get a 45 day trial of the best moving map and XM viewer software on the market; if you already have a current version of NAVAirEFB running on your computer (0807 cycle or newer) you do not need to install the NAVAirEFB again.

1. An Approaches 3D and NAVAirEFB icons will be added to your desktop.
2. Your installation should now be complete.

By default Approaches 3D is configured to look for GPS input for NAVAirEFB. If you would like to ignore your GPS or you do not have one check Disable GPS from the Options Page:

If GPS Status indicates connecting rather than n Satellites than your GPS feed is not working.

In this view of ILS 36 into OXC (Waterbury-Oxford, CT) you can see some of the new features of Approaches 3D:

At the top you can see that we are vectored for the localizer at 2355’, 120Kt ground speed on a 051 heading.

The faint blue C indicates that this plate is current (a red X will show if the plate is not current) and the green 9 shows that we are tracking 9 satellites (4 are required for accurate position, altitude and speed),

You can also see the red arrow (airplane position) showing us being vectored towards the localizer course.

The blue icons along the bottom of the display are, from left to right: Fit image to Page; Decks & Printing; Session History (all the procedures and other images you looked at); Close viewer and return to selection screen; Start Timer; Zoom in; Zoom out.

In a later revision of the software you will be able to change the color and size of the airplane symbol, as well as the navigation data at the top. We are also adding a display of the next waypoint in your flight plan from NAVAirEFB.

In this final image you can see the airplane slightly right of the localizer just inside CLERA inbound to Runway 36 on the approach plan view and and below glide slope in the vertical profile view.

We are adding new feature with every update cycle. These will include enhanced deck manipulation (adding an airport in one step), countdown timers, and navigation directly to the correct Minimums page. We will post the date of each release on the home page and at the top of this page.