This kind of copy protection was common, and similar to one kind used on CD-Rom games. Just make a reference to some data not on the file tables. Most people usually don't even notice it.

Also, noted the version.

I have original media of Flight Simulator and dumped it by TransCopy Optionboard.


Disk Copy Protected : 1.0x - 2.1x
Non Disk Copy Protected : 3.00 -

Early version of Flight Simulator was made by Sublogic with copy protection.

Version 1.0x : Track 14 / 27 doesn't exist. In other words original copy protection checks
Track 14 / 27.
If Track 14 / 27 exists, game doesn't run.

Again, where is this info coming from? I've read dozens of websites about the history of the FS series, and not a single one mentions a copy protection before FS 2.xx on the IBM PC (and only on FS 2.xx, as MS dropped the protection with 3.00).

In this case, a few of track must be missing. This is a kind of copy protection.
This copy protection checks if the track is exists or not.

If any track exists, no game run.

Original FS 1.x doesn't include Track 14 / 27
But cracked one includes all Track.

First, this is version 1.05

Second, it says "Cracked". Where is that info coming from? Afaik, there was no copy protection on version 1.x - you could even make a backup copy from the in-game menu.