About This File
According to Wikipedia: "Ghardabiya Airbase is a dual-function airbase for the Libyan Air Force 15 kilometres south of the Mediterranean coastal city of Sirte. It also incorporates an airport for civilian use. It is the home base of 1124th Bomber Squadron and 1st Fighter-Bomber Squadron. The base also operates the Aero L-39 Albatross for counterinsurgency missions. Due to the Libyan Civil War in 2011 all flights were suspended. It was targeted by United States Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bombers equipped with precision-guided munitions. The United States Navy also participated in the attack to deny the Libyan Air Force operational capability with the use of Tomahawk cruise missiles."
Since the end of the conflict, Libyan Airlines have resumed service. It is however unknown what the current airport really looks like. The earlier bombing destryed most of the buildings, leaving satellite images quite useless. There is a first document about the airport's operations published by the Lybian government. This shows that runway 31/13 is no longer in use. Since X-Plane is not aware of this, the scenery file still assumes it as 'in use'. The western platform is only intended for small aicrafts but is the only one with published parking positions. Given the size of the eastern ramp, that will probably be used by the bigger birds. All bunkers are back in use and separated from the civilian operations.
The file has been set up from scratch, based on an overlay of Google Maps (not included) and the mentioned operations document. Updates or recent pictures to enhance the scenery are welcome.
