News: Google Earth Flight Simulator Easter Egg

Posted by Matthew Justice on Sep 6, 2007

Google Earth (Flight Simulator) ...

So, who says you have to go out a buy a flight simulator to have fun? The latest release of Google Earth (GE) 4.2+ now has a hidden flight simulator feature! This simulator will allow you the ability to fly anywhere around the world.

To get started download the most recent version of Google Earth (see link below). Once you've started GE, switch to Google Sky mode (select View and Switch To Sky), all you have to do is hit Ctrl+Alt+A (if you're running OS X it's Command+Option+A; some people have reported that Ctrl+A or Ctrl+Windows+A work when the standard Ctrl+Alt+A does not). If neither of the methods above work then see the Troubleshooting section at the bottom of the page.

If all goes as planned the Flight Sim screen should appear (see below).

Configuration Screen ...

Next, choose the aircraft you wish to fly either a F-16 or Cirrus SR-22. Choose an airport or fly from current view, then click the "Start Flight" button. Google has posted the keyboard commands to use when flying. The program also has joystick support. There is no ability to view inside of airplane but the HUD will give you all the flight instruments you need.

Troubleshooting ...
If the Ctrl+Alt+A does not work and you are running Windows, download and install FlightSim.reg to your computer and restart the Google Earth program.