Our version of KIAH is detailed and accurate, incorporating all recent changes and representing the airport as it exists today. Each of the five terminals is rendered with unprecedented level of detail. Special attention was paid to the accurate layout of aircraft parking positions and boarding gates at each terminal. All boarding gates are equipped with customized static jetways properly numbered and labeled with the logo of the airline that uses the gate in real life. Each jetway is unique and configured to fit the available space and accommodate typical aircraft using each gate in real life. Whenever possible, a simple alignment aid device is provided to facilitate taxiing to the gate.

Most of the general aviation, cargo and maintenance facilities are also rendered accurately, including the air traffic control tower and the newly added fire stations. All runways are positioned to match the data contained in official aviation data thus enabling CAT III instrument approaches to be completed as published. Detailed, realistic and accurately positioned approach lighting systems are provided for all runways. All taxiways are laid out accurately according to high-resolution satellite images used as replacement terrain textures. Runway and taxiway signs are positioned to facilitate ground operations in the flight simulator environment, including flashing lights and ground markings at all runway/taxiway intersections. Realistic night lighting and ramp illumination effects are used throughout the airport.

Optimized 3D models were created for each and every structure included in the scenery. Continuously increasing levels of model optimization are enabling the use of a larger number of highly detailed models in order to accurately represent very complex mega-airports with minimal graphic display performance impact. Using BluePrint’s unique technique, ultra-high resolution textures including transparency and reflection effects were applied to each 3D model in order to enhance their level of detail and accuracy. A significant fraction of the general aviation and aircraft maintenance hangars are fully three-dimensional, open and able to house size-appropriate aircraft models (including AI). Custom made trees and static vehicles are positioned throughout the airport to enhance the look and feel of the environment.

Advanced, custom-made mapping files are designed to accommodate the most realistic AI traffic configuration possible. All runways and taxiways are properly labeled to enable accurate taxiing throughout the airport. Each and every gate is properly formatted to accommodate the airline and aircraft type that use it in real life. An AI mapping file containing no airline gate assignments that enables the use of generic or default traffic is provided as an option to be selected during installation of the scenery.

Design Considerations:

• KIAH is Continental Airlines home airport and, along with Newark’s Liberty airport, the backbone of their route network. Continental occupies four of the five terminals and the airline’s presence is an integral part of the airport’s identity. The imminent disappearance of the Continental Airlines brand and its replacement by the well-established United Airlines name will have a huge impact on the airport that cannot be ignored. Consequently, and as it is customary of BluePrint sceneries, our rendition of KIAH offers the opportunity to experience the “New” airport a few months ahead of the change taking place in real life. As it was the case with Eastern, PanAm and TWA, a brand that has been part of aviation history in the United States will disappear at least for the foreseeable future. The loss will be offset by the expectation of a prosperous and exciting future for the new United Airlines while Continental’s legacy lives on at IAH as Eastern’s does at MIA and PanAm’s and TWA’s do at JFK.
• Our ability to accurately reproduce the various taxiway bridges that exist at IAH is limited by our ability to manipulate terrain elevation with the level of detail needed to create the necessary terrain gaps. Consequently, 3D bridges are not included in our scenery.

Scenery Features:

• Custom-made, optimized Gmax models of the entire facility including five terminals, the elevated inter-terminal tram, the air traffic control tower, and all significant general aviation, aircraft maintenance and cargo facilities within the field’s boundary
• Custom-made, high-resolution textures for all Gmax generated models including transparency effects
• Custom-made, high-resolution photo real ground textures displaying seasonal changes and carefully blended with the surrounding terrain (A higher resolution texture set is available for the FSX version. It can be downloaded here.)
• Accurate runway and taxiway layout, including detailed markings and signs
• Realistic taxiway and ramp markings and ramp illumination effects
• Two levels of scenery complexity and detail:

• NORMAL complexity includes terrain texturing, autogen vegetation, airport layout with taxiway signs and basic navigation equipment models (actual localizer and glide slope radio signals are available regardless of the scenery complexity setting), most buildings within the field’s boundaries including the terminals, the air traffic control towers and cargo and maintenance facilities
• VERY DENSE complexity adds detailed instrument approach lighting system models, animated runway intersection lighting and static ramp vehicles (optional)

• Advanced, custom-made AI mapping file including realistic gate and parking spot layout and airline gate assignments*. A basic AI mapping file without gate assignments is also available as an option**

* Because the United Airlines – Continental Airlines merger appears on track and it is expected to be consummated in the very near future, all Continental gates have been branded with the new United Airlines logo and assigned the airline codes COA and UAL. The current United Airlines gates in terminal A are not included. The AI traffic mapping file and gate branding will be updated to accommodate any unexpected change and published in the Downloads section of this web site.

** AI parking spots were fitted to accommodate specific aircraft models (including default MSFS aircraft) and we cannot guarantee that they will accommodate your favorite AI models. Customization and tweaking of the AI mapping file will most likely be necessary. Most gates were assigned to airlines operating at KIAH in the most accurate configuration possible based on information available to the public. Parking spot specs and gate assignments are available in the enclosed documentation.

Software Compatibility:

FSX and Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7 (All versions)

Hardware Requirements:

BluePrint sceneries are designed to work properly in the average computer at the time of each release. For optimum performance while taking advantage of most scenery features we suggest the following hardware configuration:

Intel Core Quad CPU or better (Q9300 @ 4 x 2.50 GHz fully tested)
4 GB RAM (fully tested)
nVidia 8000 series video processor with 256-bit memory interface and 512 MB dedicated video memory or better (nVidia GeForce 8800 GT fully tested). nVidia 9000 series video processor and 1 GB dedicated memory may be required for best performance when using the EXTREMELY_DENSE scenery complexity setting (nVidia GeForce 9800 GT fully tested)