Programs for Validation and Downloading of IGC files

The IGC Shell program is free and is for validation of IGC flight data files. The IGC Validation Program checks that the IGC file has originated correctly from a sealed IGC Flight Recorder, and that the flight data in the file is identical to that originally downloaded. If only one character in the flight data has been altered after initial download, the file will fail the IGC Validation check.

With some types of FRs the IGC Shell program is also used for downloading flight data from the FR. Where the downloaded file is in binary format, the IGC Shell program converts from binary to the ASCII-based IGC file format.

IGC Shell is compatible with MS Windows. More details are in the Technical Specification for IGC Flight Recorders, Appendix C. The IGC shell program was provided by GFAC member Marc Ramsey. This program together with a demonstration DLL can be downloaded here.

Note: In rare circumstances, you may get an error report "the specified module could not be found". This should be corrected by downloading and installing the Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable Package, either x86 or x64 version, depending on what OS you're running:

x86: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=5555
x64: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=14632

This section also provides links to FR manufacturers' Dynamic Link Library (DLL) files that work with the IGC Shell program when the DLL file is placed in the indicated directory (see Set Directories function). Execute the IGC Shell program, select the appropriate FR manufacturer and then the function required (such as Validate, Download etc)..

As well as the DLL files, the earlier generation of DATA, VALI and CONV files are also provided where the FR manufacturer has not produced a DLL file. These can be downloaded by pressing the buttons below. Buttons marked 'Verify Only' indicate that the DLL can be downloaded, but only support the Verify function.

A link to some advice on downloading Flight Recorders can be found on the Useful Contacts and Links page.