Eratic FPS

FSX-SP1 With everything set at medium high I was getting excellent frame rates over Los Angeles. Heading north towards China Lake at about 7500 feet and about 20 minutes into flight the FPS dropped to 2-4 FPS and never recovered.
I shut FSX down and restarted the sim. With the same aircraft I flew the same route as before without a problem. The problem has come up on numerous flights but is not consistant.
I also can't finish a flight and start a new one without rebooting FSX first. The new flight will try to start at 2-3 FPS. All of my temps are OK so am not not concerned with them. I have no idea what settings I need to change. (changed the sliders to default and had the same problem).
Any suggestions or comments would be appreciated.
I shut FSX down and restarted the sim. With the same aircraft I flew the same route as before without a problem. The problem has come up on numerous flights but is not consistant.
I also can't finish a flight and start a new one without rebooting FSX first. The new flight will try to start at 2-3 FPS. All of my temps are OK so am not not concerned with them. I have no idea what settings I need to change. (changed the sliders to default and had the same problem).
Any suggestions or comments would be appreciated.