Troubleshooting Black Panel Issue in FSX ATR 72-600 Add-on

It sounds like you're encountering a classic issue with the ATR 72 add-ons pack for Microsoft Flight Simulator X. Let's troubleshoot this together to get your panels up and running.

Firstly, the problem you're describing often stems from a common glitch associated with addon aircraft in FSX, particularly when dealing with complex freeware models like the ATR 72. Here's a step-by-step guide to address this:

1. Check Your Installation: Ensure that the add-on has been installed correctly. The ATR 72 pack should be placed in the FSX's 'SimObjects/Airplanes' folder. Incorrect installation paths can lead to missing textures or functionalities.
2. Graphics Settings: Sometimes, FSX graphics settings might not be optimized for the add-on. Try adjusting your settings, especially the 'Aircraft' tab in the settings menu. Increasing the 'Global texture resolution' can sometimes resolve these issues.
3. DLL Files: Some add-ons require specific DLL files to be present in the FSX main folder. Check the documentation that came with your ATR 72 pack to see if this is the case.
4. SimConnect: Ensure that SimConnect is installed and functioning correctly. This is crucial for some add-ons to work properly.
5. Update Your Graphics Drivers: Outdated graphics drivers can cause display issues. Ensure you have the latest drivers installed.

If you're still encountering problems after these steps, consider the following:

• The issue could be specific to the freeware version of the ATR 72. Freeware, while cost-effective, can sometimes have bugs or compatibility issues not present in payware versions.
• Seek advice from the flight sim community. Forums and user groups are invaluable resources. Share your issue – often, someone else has had the same problem and found a solution.

Remember: The techniques discussed here can also apply to other platforms like Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) and X-Plane 12, especially when dealing with add-on compatibility and graphics settings.

Feel free to post any further questions or specifics about your issue, and I'll be happy to delve deeper into a solution.

Happy flying!