Getting Started

This guide will help you understand and work with PFPX navigation data files.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, you'll need:

• Basic understanding of aviation navigation concepts
• A text editor (Notepad++ recommended for manual decoding)
• Python 3.6+ (if using our decoder tools)
• PFPX navdata files (.nav extension)

Understanding Navdata Files

PFPX navdata files contain encoded navigation data that needs to be decoded before it can be read or modified.

File Location

Navdata files are typically found in your PFPX installation directory:

PFPX Installation Folder/
├── Data/
│   └── navdata.nav
└── ...

File Structure Overview

Each navdata file consists of:

1. Header Section (plaintext) - Contains metadata
2. Encoded Content - Navigation data using custom encoding

Quick Example

Here's what you'll see when opening a navdata file:

PFPX NAVDATA
NG2509
2025/09/04
2025/10/01
NAVIGRAPH

[Encoded binary data follows...]

The first few lines are readable, but the navigation data below is encoded and appears as gibberish in a regular text editor.

Next Steps

1. Learn about the file structure - Understand how the file is organized
2. Study the encoding table - Learn the character mapping system
3. Try the decoding process - Convert encoded files to readable text
4. Use our tools - Automate the process with Python scripts

Manual vs Automated Decoding

Manual Method

• Use Notepad++ with Converter plugin
• Good for learning and small files
• Time-consuming for large datasets

Automated Method

• Use our Python decoder tools
• Fast and reliable
• Better for batch processing and integration

Choose the method that best fits your needs and technical comfort level.