NZFF

I know some people on here use it but how do I convert Google sketchup models to flightsim compatible .api's?
I've tried google searching it alas no results.

Not 100% sure but if you tell me what formats it saves out at or exports out at i could guess how its done ,or ill look into it for you ,do you guys just build it in sketchup and texture it in gmax ? or just make and texture the model in sketchup and want it to go striaght into fs ..

make and texture in Sketchup. It saves as a .skp
I think snowman may use sketchup.

Does it have export as ?? skp. file ive never used and i know you wouldnt have the software that changes those formats like Deep exploration,,you are going to need to export it into a X. file to go in the mdl sdk. or maybe export as autocad DXF. /3ds to import into gmax ,but id guess you would have to re-map the model with uvw wrap cordanates ,

Someone else mite use sketchup and know another way that is way easyier ,
i would go to turbosquid.com and download gmax if you dont have it already and get the gamepacks sdks for fsim and start modeling in that from now on i would amagine that you would need it anyway to get sketchup files to fsim .
this mite be no help to you at all and is just a guess

you need the payware version of Sketchup in order to save as a .3ds.

You can texture in Sketchup but a) Each building must be grouped b) All faces must be facing out 3) use texture sheets not individual textures then delete all textures that havent been used

Then you can import the .3ds and save as gmax file, re-link the textures, add GUID etc and save as a mdl.

Ive only tested for FSX

If you're wanting to save as .api then either the freeware EOD (Easy Object Design) or the payware Abacus' Flight Sim Design Studio V.2 (to v2.11, I think) is what you should be looking for.

Yes, it is possible to export GMax items to .api format (see the Scenery Hall of Fame Tutorial area), but it's also kinda redundant.

Personally, I use FSDS (V.3); it's money well spent.