As an update, it is not only in the spot view that I hear the crackling. I can also hear it the when increasing the throttle in 2d panel view during the takeoff roll on the runway. It is easier to spot in the spot view by panning around the plane with the hat switch. Different sounds from different angles easily produce it. It seems to be engine sound related posssibly?Regards,Jeff

Sorry , i meant to say Creative sound card . I turned all my sound accelleration off in "Dxdiag" bit it seemed to make the problem worse .

I have the asme problem!24Bit Soundblaster from Creative Labs...Newest drivers are installed, and I have no problems with any other addon/game!Mark