How to Use the Flight Simulator in Google Earth

Key Takeaways

• The Flight Simulator is only available on the Google Earth application.
• You may select airports or build your personalized route to use the Flight Simulator feature of Google Earth.

Method 1: Use Flight Simulator With the Built-in Routes

The flight simulator feature on the Desktop application of Google Earth comes with built-in routes from airports. To use them, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Launch the Google Earth application.

Step 2: Navigate to the Tools menu > click Enter Flight Simulator.

Step 3: Under the Select your aircraft menu, pick a plane.

Step 4: Under the Select your start position menu, click Airport > select your airport from the drop-down menu > click on Start Flight.

Now, you can take off your flight with the help of keyboard keys. You could also activate mouse control by clicking the left mouse button. Random numbers appear on the screen. These are some basic terms a pilot needs to know when flying an airplane.

The terms used are Aileron, Altitude (feet above sea level), Bank angle, Elevator, Exit flight simulator feature, Flap and gear indicators, Heading, Pitch angle (degrees), Rudder, Speed (knots), Throttle, Vertical speed (feet per minute).

Pro Tip: Increase the thrust by pressing Page up on your keyboard. After some time, when the aircraft accelerates, use the down arrow key to take off your flight. After attaining a certain height, release the button. You can turn your plane to left and right using the corresponding arrow keys.

Note that the keys are sensitive, so you should use them slowly; otherwise, your plane will crash. After attaining a decent level of flying the aircraft, you can use various keyboard controls.

Method 2: Use Flight Simulator With a Personalized Route

You may follow the steps below to choose a personalized start and end point for your flight.

Step 1: Launch the Google Earth Pro app.

Step 2: Navigate to the Tools menu and click Ruler.

Step 3: Go to the Path tab > click on your starting point on the map > select the endpoint > click on Save > name the new path > click OK.

Step 4: Navigate to the Tools menu and click Enter Flight Simulator.

Step 5: Under the Select your aircraft menu, pick a plane.

Step 6: Under the Select your start position menu, click Current View > Start Flight.

While flying, you should be aware of elevation on the map and read any on-screen instructions to avoid crashes.