I recently downloaded gmax, and the makemodel SDK, but I have no idea how to even start making an aircraft model. any certain way to start? I am basically at square zero.

the best way to learn gmax is to work through the tutorials (so they told me) that come with program and then look for other tutorials available on the net. gmax has a very steep learning curve. i never could quite get the hang of it so i downloaded and purchased fsds

If you don't have FS2002Pro, you will not be able to export/compile your gmax visual model into a *.mdl file. FS2002Pro comes with GMax, its tutorials, and also a gamepack that contains the required export file to interface with the MakeMDL.exe program.You can also download the tutorials from www.discreet.com. Also visit http://zone.msn.com/flightsim/FS02DevDeskSDK00.asp for other downloads relative to model design.