What Is Model Hopper?
Model Hopper is designed to convert supported aircraft-model libraries into models usable for traffic in X-Plane. These models provide the visual aircraft seen around airports and in the air; they are not converted into aircraft that users can fly.
According to SayIntentions, the utility processes libraries already installed on a pilot’s computer. The company says Model Hopper contains no FSLTL content and does not distribute any.
SayIntentions states that Model Hopper first shipped to its Partners group on October 7. Its licensing guidance, the company says, has required users to respect the terms of each library they convert from the beginning.
FSLTL Model Conversion Disabled
In a statement shared through its Discord community, SayIntentions said FSLTL had publicly objected to the conversion of its content for X-Plane.
FSLTL’s current website states that its model assets remain the property of their original creators. Its copyright section prohibits modification and conversion of FSLTL Base Models without specific permission for each model. It also restricts redistribution and commercial distribution of project content.
SayIntentions says it has responded by disabling conversion of FSLTL base models in Model Hopper.
The company maintains that its utility performed local conversions for personal use and did not sell or redistribute FSLTL’s aircraft assets. It characterizes the restriction as a decision to respect FSLTL’s stated wishes while disputing accusations that it improperly profited from volunteer work.
Purchases Will Be Refunded
The most immediate change for customers is Model Hopper’s move to free availability.
SayIntentions says every Model Hopper purchase is being refunded. The Discord statement does not specify a refund-processing timetable or whether customers need to take any action.
The company says the decision removes payment for the conversion utility from the disagreement. However, making Model Hopper free does not change the permissions attached to third-party aircraft libraries. Users still need to follow the applicable terms for any content they convert.
Copyright Timeline Remains Disputed
SayIntentions also disputes the timing of FSLTL’s published conversion restriction.
The company says it reviewed available library terms before releasing Model Hopper and points to an October 6 archived version of FSLTL’s website as evidence that the explicit prohibition was absent at that time.
Sky Blue Radio could verify the restriction on FSLTL’s current website but could not independently retrieve the cited archived page. The claim about when that wording changed therefore remains SayIntentions’ account.
The company also acknowledged that there had been no discussions between the two teams before the dispute became public. FSLTL’s original community announcement was not independently reviewed for this report.
X-Plane Traffic Does Not Require Model Hopper
SayIntentions emphasized that its X-Plane traffic feature does not depend on Model Hopper.
According to the company, the traffic system supports standard X-Plane CSL aircraft libraries. Model Hopper provides an additional route for preparing supported visual models; the traffic system handles aircraft operations and ATC interaction.
SayIntentions says X-Plane traffic opens to all Premium subscribers on October 16. Model Hopper becoming free does not make the Premium traffic service free.
For users, the key changes are straightforward: Model Hopper is now free according to SayIntentions, previous purchases will be refunded, and FSLTL base-model conversion has been disabled.
Readers can review FSLTL’s published copyright terms and follow the SayIntentions.AI website for further announcements.
