Huh, a couple makers sent sent in this link that turns Google Earth in to a flight simulator, I just tried it and it works! I’m going to see what no-fly zones it will let me buzz over… –
To enter the flight simulator mode, press Ctrl + Alt + A (Command/Open Apple Key + Option + A on the Mac). Once you have entered flight simulator mode for the first time, you can re-enter the mode by choosing Tools > Enter Flight Simulator. To leave flight simulator mode, click Exit Flight Simulator in the top right corner or press Ctrl + Alt + A (Command/Open Apple Key+ Option + A on the Mac).
The following keystrokes control navigation and other aspects of the flight simulator. You can also control the aircraft with a mouse or joystick. To disable or enable mouse controls, left click (single click on a Mac). Once mouse controls are active, the pointer shape changes to a cross on your screen.
Flight Simulator Keyboard Controls – Google Earth User Guide – Link.
40 thoughts on “Hidden Google Earth flight simulator?”
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Didn’t work fo’ me :'(
Actually, I’m running GE 4.0.whatever, so it might be only 4.2 or whatnot… installing update now..
“I’m going to see what no-fly zones it will let me buzz over…” Wow Phil, always the subversive… that’s good stuff right there.
Next step is to be able to control a homebrew UAV with this software, so that you can fly over Area 51.
didnt work for me either
make sure you have the latest version and you hit the keys, a lot — it took me a few gos.
Worked after 4.0 -> 4.2 update (Mac). Nice easter egg!
It worked exactly as described after an update, running win xp pro that is.
Definitely a cool little add on, all they need now is to add guns, and multiplayer :P
Works just fine with the latest version. Well, it would work, if I didn’t consistently crash immediately after takeoff.
yeah, it’s also a tad limited on tiny laptop keyboards. Glad these planes don’t cost anything ;-)
It’s very nice, but not technically hidden…you can go to the Tools menu and see the option right there. :) I can report that it works great with a Saitek X45 joystick with rudder and throttle control, and full hat switch view control. Also, G for landing gear, F for flaps. Haven’t tried to find other commands. Fun flying a jet through the Grand Canyon.
Egads, I have GOT to upgrade to a faster-then-dialup connection. There is about 40+ M of “stuff” I have to download to get there (I am guessing the slow connection just will not handle the streaming of the Flight Simulator either)
Adapt of be eaten, I guess ;-)
“Adapt OR be eaten”, is what I meant to type, sorry
I’m on 4.2.0181.2634 with XP SP2 and can’t seem to get this to work…
Well, I got it to work using Ctrl + Windows + A.
wow, needs work, but nice little hidden feature
Great feature that I probably wouldn’t have found w/o MAKE. Thanks! I’ve only ruined one F-16 in two flights.
doesn’t work on Mac running 4.2.0180.1134 (beta) [sky]
tried every possible combination.
okay – it works, just make sure the ‘map’ screen is hot
Thanks
Wow! I didn’t know that! Awesome!