How do I install add-on aircraft in FSX?
To install add-on aircraft in FSX or FSX: Steam Edition, either run the aircraft's installer or manually copy its files into the correct simulator folders. Most full aircraft belong in SimObjects\Airplanes, but many packages also include gauges, effects or repaint entries that must be added separately.
Installer or manual copy: which method should you use?
Use the package's own installer when it has one, and use manual folder copying for ZIP or RAR downloads. If an older installer cannot detect FSX: Steam Edition, point it to your FSX root folder manually or install the package by hand. If you are unsure whether a download meant for boxed FSX will work in Steam Edition, our guide to FSX add-on compatibility in FSX: Steam Edition covers the usual cases.
| Package type | What you do | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| EXE or MSI installer | Run it and choose your FSX folder if asked | Aircraft with extra gauges, sounds or effects |
| ZIP or RAR full aircraft | Extract it, then copy folders manually | Most freeware aircraft |
| Repaint only | Copy the texture folder and edit aircraft.cfg | Liveries for an aircraft you already have installed |
Manual install steps for ZIP or RAR aircraft
Manual installation is simple once you identify the actual aircraft folder.
- Extract the archive first. Do not drag files straight from the ZIP into FSX. Unpack everything to a temporary folder and read the included README before copying anything.
- Find the real aircraft folder. A full aircraft folder normally contains
aircraft.cfgplus folders such asmodel,panel,soundand one or moretexturefolders. - Copy it to the correct SimObjects folder. Fixed-wing aircraft usually go in
FSX\SimObjects\Airplanes. On a default boxed install that is normally underMicrosoft Flight Simulator X; on Steam Edition it is under your Steam library'ssteamapps\common\FSXfolder. - Copy any support files. If the package also includes
GaugesorEffectsfolders, copy their contents into the matching top-level FSX folders. If you skip this, the aircraft may load with missing instruments, lights or other broken systems. - Start FSX and check the aircraft menu. Open Change Vehicle, look under the expected manufacturer, and enable Show all variations if needed.
For a screenshot-led walkthrough, we have one showing the exact Steam Edition folder path for aircraft installs and another covering the core manual process in boxed FSX.
Is it a full aircraft or just a repaint?
A repaint is not a complete aircraft. If the download only contains a texture.xxx folder and a block of text for aircraft.cfg, you must already have the base aircraft installed. Copy the texture folder into that aircraft's folder, then add the supplied [fltsim.x] entry to aircraft.cfg using a new, unique variation number.
Where do the extra folders go?
The folder names usually tell you the destination. When there is no installer, this is the mapping we use.
| Download item | Put it here | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Folder containing aircraft.cfg | FSX\SimObjects\Airplanes\AircraftName | Full fixed-wing aircraft |
| Helicopter folder | FSX\SimObjects\Rotorcraft\AircraftName | Rotorcraft go here, not in Airplanes |
texture.xxx folder and [fltsim.x] text | Inside the existing aircraft folder | Repaint only |
Files from a Gauges folder | FSX\Gauges | Needed for cockpit instruments |
Files from an Effects folder | FSX\Effects | Needed for lights, smoke and similar effects |
| Sound folder or sound alias instructions | Usually inside the aircraft folder, unless the README says otherwise | Some aircraft borrow sounds from a default aircraft |
A mistake we see constantly is copying the parent folder instead of its contents, which leaves you with paths such as Gauges\Gauges or Airplanes\AircraftName\AircraftName. FSX will then miss files even though they are technically on the disk.
Why is the aircraft not showing in FSX?
When an add-on aircraft does not appear in the FSX aircraft menu, the cause is usually the folder structure, a repaint-only download, or a package that was never compatible with FSX.
- The aircraft folder is one level too deep. FSX needs
...\Airplanes\AircraftName\aircraft.cfg, not...\Airplanes\AircraftName\AircraftName\aircraft.cfg. - You installed it into the wrong simulator. This is common on PCs that have boxed FSX, FSX: Steam Edition or Prepar3D side by side.
- You installed a repaint without the base aircraft. The texture folder alone will not create a new aircraft entry.
- Support files were not copied. Missing gauges or effects can stop some aircraft working properly even if the main folder is in the right place.
- The package is not really FSX-compatible. If it is labelled for a newer Prepar3D version only, or relies on features FSX does not have, it may never appear or load correctly.
- You declined a gauge trust prompt. Some older aircraft use DLL gauges. If FSX asks whether to run a gauge and you refuse, the cockpit may load with blank instruments.
What if the textures are white or parts are missing?
White textures usually mean missing texture files, a bad texture path or an incomplete manual install. Missing parts often point to model, effect or gauge files that were not copied into the right place. We cover the texture-specific fixes in our guide to white add-on aircraft textures in FSX.