Thanks Pete, Paul for the helpful responses!
You were indeed correct, I needed to set my app current directory within VB.NET - can't believe I overlooked such a basic mistake.. haha
And when I say XML is more convenient I guess I was being a little self-minded, It's only because I have some experience in XML and .NET has some fast routines for referencing them. I agree that the format leaves a little to be desired :)
That's very kind of you to listen to my request regarding the radio frequencies etc, but I think I should be okay. I have found a way to decode FSX's BGL files so, like MakeRwys, I should be able to create my own custom .XML databases with any specific information I need!
Thanks again and keep up the great work!
Lukas