fs2000 vs fs2002?

[vidge]

hi,
i have a t-38 jet that i absolutely love but it is only for fs2000. is their a way i can make it fs2002 compatible? what is the difference between the two versions of flight sim that makes aircraft incompatible? can 2000 files be made to work in 2002? thanks for your response. vidge

[EngEd]

Hello, Vidge,
I jumped directly from FS98 to FS2002 so cannot address FS2000 directly. I recall, though, that FS98 planes converted fine to FS2002.
The big jump seems to come with FS2004/ACOF/FS9. Planes built with previous software (Flight Simulator Flight Shop, Air Factory 99, Aircraft Animator, etc) appear in FS9, but their animations don't (i.e., no gear on retracting models, no props, etc). That is, my FS98 planes can be brought into FS9, but not with all their features.
Also, while we're on the topic, scenery is a sometimes thing as well. Elevations and coastlines can play havoc with some earlier sceneries, but others look just fine.
Here's a safe approach: You can try installing just about anything. But keep careful track of the names of files and where they go. This way, if things don't work to your likeing, you can undo them by deleting.
I hope this is helpful.
Dennis S

[InspectorPoly]

*In general* a model made for FS2000 will be useable in FS2002.

There *could* be some flight dynamics issues, but the fix would be on an individual model basis.

If the model appears "buried" in the ground, then it's a matter of working with the [contact.points] section of the aircraft.cfg file, etc.

THe best bet, open it in FS2002.

DO not even bother opening it in FS9 - unless you want to fly around with invisible parts.

[vidge]

yikes...more mysterious things arise!!!!

this (below) is what's in the t-38 panel folder. it works fine in fs2000, but in fs2002 it gives me the panel of an aero commander that is my startup default airplane. it is the correct file in the panel folder. the rest of the T-38 is all there and works ok. when i switch to the tower view, etc., i see the model of a T-38...just like i should. when i go to the T38 in the "select aircraft" menu, it says 'default' in the space termed 'version' at the bottom of the list of aircraft info.

[fltsim]
alias=FSFSConv\panel.Jet.Light.2

also, there seem to be two folders in my FS2002 aircraft files of airplanes THAT DO NOT APPEAR in my FS2002 "select aircraft" menu!!! these aircraft are a De Havilland Dash8 and a Piper Cherokee. are these planes incorporated into FS2002 but not activated unless you have the PRO version (i have the standard version)? what's the deal?
i can't figure out how to activate (load) them. any help and advice would be appreciated.

thanks,
vidge

by the way, you might enjoy my local airport webpage at:
http://www.members.tripod.com/carlvillanueva/id24.htm

[Firestriker]

The two planes you are referring to are AI models used for Air Traffic. If you want to fly them you will need to assign a panel + sounds and modify the *.air file, changing record 105 from 2 to 0 using a program like AirEd. It has been a while since I messed with them but you my also need to modify somethings in the aircraft.cfg file.

Lou