A new freeware utility called X‑Dispatch has been released for X‑Plane 12, offering a world map explorer, flight launcher, and add-on management tools designed to simplify the process of preparing and launching flights.
The external companion application features an interactive global map that allows users to visually explore airports across the simulator without needing to know ICAO codes in advance. By selecting an airport on the map, users can view detailed layouts including runways, taxiways, and parking positions before choosing where to begin their flight.
The tool also integrates with SimBrief, enabling pilots to import their flight plans directly into the application. Once loaded, the route can be displayed on the map along with operational information such as fuel planning, aircraft weight data, and estimated flight time. Users can then configure their starting position and launch the flight directly from within the utility.
X-Dispatch also includes live flight tracking support using X-Plane’s WebSocket API. This allows the application to display the aircraft’s real-time position, altitude, speed, heading, and vertical speed on the map, effectively acting as a moving map during flight.
Beyond flight planning tools, the application also features an add-on manager capable of detecting installed X-Plane directories and helping users organise aircraft and scenery add-ons. The software reads native simulator data files, including airport layouts and navigation data, providing a more complete overview of the user’s simulator environment.
X-Dispatch is available now as a free download and supports Windows, macOS, and Linux systems. You can get it from the X-Plane.org forums.
Features
SimBrief Integration
- Import your latest OFP with one click
- Full route visualization on the map
- Fuel breakdown: block, taxi, enroute, reserves, contingency
- Weight summary: ZFW, TOW, landing weight
- Flight times and distance
- Aircraft and callsign info
Addon Manager (Alpha)
- Scan and browse your installed aircraft and scenery
- Classify addons into priority tiers from your scenery_packs.ini
- Drag-and-drop or browse to install addons from ZIP, RAR, and 7z archives
- Automatic type detection and extraction to the correct X-Plane folders
Airport Visualization
- Runways with surface types, dimensions, and lighting
- Taxiways, aprons, and pavement areas
- Runway and taxiway markings
- Signs, windsocks, and airport boundaries
- Runway, taxiway, and approach lighting systems
- Gates and parking positions with heading indicators
Navigation Data
- VORs, NDBs, DMEs, and ILS/LOC with course lines
- Waypoints and fixes
- High and low altitude airways
- Controlled airspace boundaries
- SID, STAR, and approach procedures with route visualization
Weather
- Live METAR with decoded wind, visibility, ceiling, clouds, temperature
- TAF forecasts
- Flight category display (VFR/MVFR/IFR/LIFR)
Live Traffic
- Real-time VATSIM network overlay
- Pilot callsigns, aircraft types, and flight info
Flight Launcher
- Aircraft browser with search and filtering
- Filter by manufacturer or category
- Favorites system
- Livery selection with previews
- Fuel load configuration
- Time of day with sun position arc
- Weather presets
- Start from any gate or runway
- Launch X-Plane directly from the chosen starting point or relocate mid-flight if already running!
Live Flight Tracking
- Real-time aircraft position via X-Plane WebSocket API
- Flight info strip: IAS, GS, ALT, AGL, VS, HDG
- Auto-center map on aircraft
- Connection status indicator
Multiple Installations
- Automatic detection of X-Plane installations
- Easy switching between installations (Demo, Steam, etc.)
- Full data reload on installation change
- Navigraph data detection per installation
Data Sources
- X-Plane native files (apt.dat, earth_nav.dat, earth_fix.dat, earth_awy.dat, CIFP)
- Navigraph nav data with AIRAC cycle detection
- ATC frequencies (Navigraph)
- Airport metadata with transition altitudes
- Custom scenery airport support
