1 - Background:

The format of aircraft has changed with each new version of Microsoft FlightSim as the complexity and accuracy of the program has increased. This page will demonstrate how to identify the different formats you may come across and how to add the aircraft to FlightSim.

2 - Downloading & Un-Ziping files:

When you download an aircraft it will most probably be in a compressed format called a 'Zip' file and will have the extension '.ZIP' at the end of the filename. This is a standard format used across the internet which conveniently groups files together into one and reduces the total size to improve download times.

The download is initiated by clicking on the link to the aircraft file and you will be asked into which directory you want to save the file on your computer's hard-disk. Depending on the size of the file and the speed of your internet connection downloading may take anything from a few seconds to hours.

When the download is complete, you will need to uncompress the Zip file to access the vital files inside. For this you will need a program such as WinZip or PKZip. If either of these programmes is installed you can click on the downloaded file and the program will run, displaying the enclosed files. If you are using WinZip click the 'Extract' button to specify which directory to extract the files to.

IMPORTANT: ensure you have selected both the 'All files' and the 'Use folder names' options.

Finally, click the 'Extract' button to unpack the files.

3 - What the Files do:

Within a Zip file there are a number of other files, which will include some OR all of the following:

  example.AIR      - the flight model (defines physical characteristics of aircraft)
  example.MDL      - the visual model (draws the aircraft in the flight simulator)
  example.MDL.mpi  - Aircraft Animator file (adds moving parts to aircraft)
  example.MDL.nmp  - Aircraft Animator file (adds moving parts to aircraft)
    MODEL.CFG      - defines visual model to be used and colours
    PANEL.CFG      - defines panel to be used, or defines layout of panel
    SOUND.CFG      - defines sound files to be used
  example.0AF      -|
  example.1AF       |
  example.2AF       |
   "   " . "         > texture files used to 'paint' the visual model
   "   " . "        |
  example.9AF       |
  example.BMP      -|

NOTE: there is a maximum of ten texture files per aircraft, although not all may be used: the number depends upon how visually detailed the aircraft model is.

4 - Identifying the Formats:

Please note the main differences between formats. Many of the problems people experience when adding new aircraft stem from not correctly identifying the format, and then trying to install it using the wrong method.

The un-Ziped files will contain the following.....

 aircraft.CFG
  example.AIR
  example.MDL
   MODEL .CFG
   PANEL .CFG
   SOUND .CFG
  example.BMP

 aircraft.CFG
  example.AIR
  example.MDL
   MODEL .CFG
   PANEL .CFG
   SOUND .CFG
  example.0AF
   "   "   "
  example.9AF

  example.AIR
  example.MDL
  example.0AF
   "   "   "
  example.9AF

  example.AIR
  example.0AF
   "   "   "
  example.9AF

NOTE: the FlightSim 2000 and FlightSim 98 aircraft formats are the same

Aircraft in the FlightSim 2002 format can be identified easily by their use of '.BMP' graphics files - the first format to do so.

Other files included in a ZIP file may include a text file ( example.TXT ), and a graphics file showing an image of the aircraft. However, these are not vital for the installation, although storing the text file is a wise plan since it will contain very relevant information. If there are 'WAV' files (sound files) these should be placed in the 'sound' directory.

5 - The Microsoft Converter:

Aircraft can be converted from one format to another using the free Microsoft Flight Shop Converter.
However, files can only be changed to a newer format.
There are different Converters for each version of FlightSim.

Before attempting to install aircraft you should download and
install the correct Converter to your version of FlightSim:

When you install the Converter for FS98, a collection of panels are added to the FlightSim in a new sub-direcrory for converted aircraft to use. This is why you need the Converter even for aircraft that are already in the correct format: otherwise you would not get a panel! Technically, you can get around this by changing the panel setup, but that's another story.

6 - BAO's Flight Shop:

If you have FS5.x you need BAO's Flight Shop program. This is a commercial utility which is used to design custom built aircraft, and many of the aircraft you can install today were made using it.

It is the equivalent of the Flight Shop Converter, in that without it aircraft will not work in FS5.x.

Some aircraft will work in FS5.x WITHOUT needing BAO Flight Shop. However, there are only a few of these and their different format will be indicated on the page that you download them from. There are no aircraft of this type on these pages.

BAO stands for Bruce Artwick Organisation, and it was this company which originally made FlightSim, which was then brought by Microsoft.

7 - Tips:

1. Create a directory to store downloaded files, and another to un-zip them into. On my computer I have set up one called:

     C:\Arrivals\Unzip

   (All downloaded files are saved to the 'Arrivals' directory, and are unZiped to the 'Unzip' sub-directory)
    
2. Read the designers' 'Readme' files! They should contain all the information you need to install the aircraft, and may suggest how to change or improve them to your specification.
    
3. Download and install an aircraft manager such as JAB2000 (available from the 'Utilities for FS' page). This particular program will allow you to assign a panel to an aircraft with just a few clicks of the mouse, as well as doing 100 other useful things.