Look in texture files:  Maybe:  Aircraft with fewer bitmaps for the actual exterior of the aircraft, so for ex. a plane that has one bitmap covering the entire exterior might have less of a hit than one with several bitmaps.  Also, the type of bitmap, 32 bit files hit more than DXT3 files.

Maybe.  It's just an impression I've gotten from working inside the sim, and could easily be off, however, I have noticed that some aircraft definitely impact frame rates more than others.  There are other factors also, I'm sure.  Also keep in mind that every object on the screen: buildings, trees, etc., impact frame rates.  And finally, look back at FS2000 and prior aircraft, some of these may be easier on frames than more recent ones.

More than bitmaps will kill the frame rate. A plane with a 20 sided body will run pretty good on most computers and it is very close to being a circle, but a plane with 64 sides will look better, but will also be a bigger hit.  I find that AI traffic, reflections(water and plane), and autogen density tend to be bigger factors than the planes.

Hi again, Been at it all day and  thought I'd check out this before I turned  in .  You'll sure give me some good ideas to work on.  Will keep you guys posted on my "TWEAKING".  Hope my results can be of some help to others. I try not to leave too many stones unturned  but feel I'm in a  tar pit  - - - - - -   oops      gravel pit.    caveman

That's interesting about the fps in the city.   I've had all kinds of "flickering/studders/fading/ wings disappearing and you name it - - - it's happened to me and I'm sure others also while over the  cities.   I try to do my "VFR" stuff in SE Alaska  far away from the "Bright lights /  Buildings , etc ".     I just assumed my PC was sorta like me      [too old].        Wouldn't it be nice to have  a PC that was TOO MUCH for the Sim !                   I do "carry on ".      Perhaps as I learn  more from you Guys' help ,  I'll get my PC squared - away  and get ready for the new one that'll probley be out late spring or early summer !      [ Dreaming again ]    Always  nice  knowing others are "right there" willing to help me.   Thanks again.   caveman

It is impossible for a computer, even the fastest one in exsistance to draw a true circle. The reason is high school geometry. A circle is a figure that is made up of an infinate number of points an equal distance away from the center, therefore a computer can never make a true circle, it would never stop drawing the figure. If you have any or know any kids in Geometry(usually 9-10th grade) pick up thier book and look for polygons, most have figures of a triangle, square, pentagon, hexagon, octagon, decagon, dodecagon, and a 20-gon inscribed in a circle, the 20-gon is very close to being a circle and with all the other things going on in the sim at the same time you are looking at the plane, you probably won't even notice it. Now a 64-gon is better for eye-candy, but it can be very hard to tell the difference unless your looking for one.

I dont think that an illusion would be practical, as the computer needs to draw the illusion.
Military doesn't take just anybody anymore. I'm working my butt off(about 3 hours of homework a night) so that I can go to the US Naval Academy in 2 more years.

No, not navy. Marines. I dont mind ships, but I really like having dry land under me.