You do not understand.
A "Total Conversion" is effectively an entirely new game that uses nothing, not a single file, from retail FS2. What you are doing is a mod, nothing more, nothing less. A total conversion is infinitely more work than a mod.
Here's a handy rule of thumb: As long as you need FS2 installed to play whatever it is you're working on, it's NOT a total conversion. As long as you use files from retail (including the interface art or sounds), it is NOT a total conversion.
Also, you should think about reigning your "creative genius" in a bit. He's messing up your grammar and syntax.