FS2004 American Airlines Convair CV-240 N94200

This enhanced repaint for the classic Convair CV-240 brings American Airlines’ historic “Flagship San Diego” (registration N94200) into Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 with authentic details and accurate markings. Included here are just the textures and updated model file, so be aware that the relevant freeware base package is required. The foundational CV-240 originally developed by Greg Pepper and Tom Gibson, then upgraded by Georg Hauzenberger (model) with textures by Hans Hermann (Virtual Birds Factory), ensures a faithful representation of this iconic aircraft in your simulation environment.

Historical Notes and Background Information

The real-world Convair CV-240 (construction number 002) began its service with American Airlines on December 29, 1948. It was christened “Flagship San Diego” and flew under the registration N94200. Soon after, the aircraft changed hands multiple times. First, it was acquired by Dundel Corporation on December 31, 1957, then purchased by Cruzeiro do Sul on May 12, 1958 and renamed “Regulus.” Later it was owned by Francis Y Sogi in November 1967 (reregistered N21122) and finally sold to Charlotte Aircraft Corporation in June 1969, before being withdrawn from service and scrapped.

Distinctive Characteristics of the Convair CV-240

The CV-240 series, developed by Convair in the post-war era, is recognized for its twin-engine layout and comfortable pressurized cabin. While originally intended for short-to-medium range flights, the aircraft proved adaptable to various airline operations. American Airlines was among its early operators, deploying the sleek airliner across domestic routes. This add-on focuses on capturing that distinctive early style and aesthetic, ensuring sim pilots experience the subtle nuances of flying a vintage radial-engine airliner.

American Airlines Convair CV-240 in flight.

Important Requirements

This package only provides the refined textures plus an associated model file. To fly this livery successfully, you must have the prerequisite base pack installed (CV240VBFCA18_BASEPACK_010.ZIP). Make sure you have downloaded and properly configured that freeware pack, often found in the same add-on library. Similar aircraft folders may be named CV240VBFca18, cv240VBFcb16, or CV240VBFmilitary, depending on the specific variant installed.

Step-by-Step Installation Procedure

1. Extract the Archive: Unzip the contents of this add-on’s ZIP file to any temporary directory you choose.
2. Run the Setup Tool: In the unzipped folder, locate the installer (for example, cv240VBFca18_aal_N94200_01_setup.exe) and double-click it. The installation program will automatically place the textures and model into the correct folder (either cv240VBFca18, cv240VBFcb16, or cv240VBFmilitary), so take note of where it is stored.
3. Locate the Config Snippet: Navigate to the appropriate Aircraft folder in your Microsoft Games\Flight Simulator 9 directory (the exact subfolder will match the installed version mentioned in step 2). Find a text file whose name ends with _add_to_aircraft_cfg.txt (for example, aalN94200_add_to_aircraft_cfg.txt).
4. Manual Aircraft.cfg Update: Open this text file with a basic editor such as Notepad. Copy the [fltsim.xx] section contained within, then paste it into your existing aircraft.cfg (found in the same folder) right after the final [fltsim.yy] entry. Change “xx” to the next sequential number, save, and exit.

Verifying the Add-On in the Simulator

Once these steps are complete, launch Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 and browse your aircraft selection menu for the American Airlines CV-240 livery under the appropriate developer name. If you encounter any issues, confirm that the correct folder names have not been altered since the original base pack installation, and verify that your simulator’s root directory path points to the correct FS9 folder.

Credits and Notes

All creative assets originate from the collaborative work of Greg Pepper and Tom Gibson. The upgrades featured here, including the refined model by Georg Hauzenberger and textures by Hans Hermann, reflect the efforts of the Virtual Birds Factory. This repaint honors N94200’s varied history and commemorates American Airlines’ early adoption of the CV-240 design.

Once installed, load up “Flagship San Diego” and experience a bygone era of commercial flight. Operations such as engine management, cockpit navigation, and radial-engine procedures will enhance your appreciation for the aircraft’s intricate systems. Enjoy exploring the vintage charm of this short-to-medium range airliner, and make sure you have the proper freeware base model, which can be located in the Fly Away Simulation library, ready to go for the best possible flight simulation experience.