One of the best options is to not update past 4.12.2, and then install the BAT mod
SAS BAT mod I just did this and a word to the wise; make sure you have at least 100GB of open Hard Drive space because there are a lot of updates and when you start adding them its going to bloat until you get rid of the install files. Make sure you get every one of them but use the unpatching tool first to take your game to 4.12 then Red Core 4.0, Blue Edge 4.1, Update patch 4.21, and 4.2.2 + Hotfix 4 If you miss one it will bork your install but not to worry I know how to fix those now, lol
I did all of this just so I could play a Crimson Skies based campaign with custom made aircraft that is just awesome
https://www.sas1946.com/main/index.php/topic,62309.msg740451.html#msg740451
I guarantee that if you loved CS you absolutely must get this Mod.
[edit] I just checked and with just a few campaigns and a hanful of skins my Il-2 1946 BAT install is ...97Gb so if you can't spare the drive space, but there is literally every conceivable aircraft you could ever think of and a few that never made it to production and some fantasy planes but go check it out it runs really sweet on my PC with all the bells and whistles