FSX Gimp What Files

Why don't you use one of the tutorials? They all use step by step instructions, it's the only way to tackle a task like that.
Depending on what kind of a/c you want to paint you might need a paintkit. Even if you just want to put your name on it your graphics editor might have to have layer properties which, from memory, Gimp lacks. That's why a/c repainters don't use it.
There is also the format conversion issue. Just google or search in this forum for DXTBMP.

cheers
after further investigation
i cant use GIMP

So can anyone recommend a program within a students budget
that i can use and has good tutorials

cheers everyone

None of the programs' tutorials are tailored for your purpose. Most a/c repainters use either Photoshop or Jasc PSP which is now owned by Corel in case you're looking for it.

Both Photoshop and PSP usually have a fully working trial version limited only by the dreaded 'time factor'. 😉

If I were you, I'd look at several tutorials first and then decide on the graphics editor/paint program, as any tutorial will be written based on a particular editor.

If you put the trial period of one of the above mentioned editors to good use with the aid of a good tut, you should be able to carry over your experience to another editor such as Serif PhotoPlus which is much cheaper particularly in your part of the world. SPP does everything you need for repaints.