Troubleshooting MSFS 2020 Aircraft Installation: Missing .JSON Files

Hello Sterk03,

Thank you for sharing your dilemma. It sounds like you're encountering an intriguing file compatibility issue when attempting to add new aircraft to your Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 setup. The absence of the .JSON files and the presence of a Simobjects/airplane folder, which is typical for FSX (Microsoft Flight Simulator X), indeed suggests a mix-up in the file structure or possibly an error in the distribution of the aircraft files.

Firstly, let’s clarify what the .JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) file does in the context of MSFS 2020. This file type essentially serves as a manifest or a configuration file that tells MSFS 2020 how to handle and integrate the downloaded content into the simulator. Without it, the sim may not recognize the new add-ons correctly, leading to the issues you’re experiencing.

Here are a few steps to troubleshoot and hopefully resolve the issue:

• Check the Source: Confirm that the aircraft download is intended for MSFS 2020. Many older aircraft models designed for FSX do not come with the necessary .JSON file because FSX uses different configuration methods.
• Verify File Integrity: Redownload the aircraft files, ensuring the download completes successfully without corruption. Sometimes, interrupted downloads result in missing files.
• Consult the Community: While avoiding specific forums, generic search on community hubs about transitioning FSX aircraft to MSFS 2020 can provide scripts or tools that help generate the necessary .JSON files.
• Manual Creation: If you're comfortable with manual configurations, you might try creating a .JSON file yourself. This requires a bit of technical know-how in JSON syntax to link the aircraft model correctly within the simulator.

If these steps do not help, it may be worthwhile to seek out aircraft specifically designed for MSFS 2020, as these will have the correct file setup and are less likely to encounter such issues.

Additional Thoughts:
If the aircraft is indeed for FSX, running it on MSFS 2020 without proper adaptation will generally not work due to the different ways these simulators handle aircraft files. It’s akin to trying to fit a square peg into a round hole; both are pegs, but the dimensions and mechanics differ significantly.

Transitioning from FSX to MSFS 2020 brings a considerable upgrade in simulation fidelity and complexity, including how add-ons are handled. It’s always best to use content explicitly crafted for MSFS 2020 to avoid these types of compatibility issues.

Please let me know if you need further details on any of the steps mentioned above, or if there’s anything else specific you’re struggling with. Happy flying!