One of the features which several have overlooked is the Google Earth Flight Simulator. User could take advantage of the same by making use of some of the tips mentioned here.  Back in 2007, with the release of Google Earth 4.2, a much requested feature to the product, a flight simulator had been added by Google. Users could try it by going to Tools-> Enter Flight Simulator and proceed.  Frank had posted a setoff tips and tricks for utilising the similar, after it had come out, since it could be a bit complicated in order to begin with. You could:

  • Begin the flight simulator by opting for the SR-22 plane to get started.  Then select any airport or just the default `Katmandu’. If the joystick is not available you could select one and hit `Start flight’
  • The HUD – Head Up Display will be seen in green which can be clicked for guidance to the HUD indicator.  Ensure that your window dimension is square or else one may not see all the HUD display elements.
  • In order to get started, you could hold down the Page Up key for a short while which will add power to your plane.  The throttle indication is towards the lower left – the triangle needs to be at the top for full throttle.
  • In order to control the direction on the ground the comma and period keys on the keyboard can be used to apply left and right brakes.  A brief touch can be done to change the direction of left and right
  • Mouse controls are an important tip which is the best to control the plane unless one tends to have a joy stick.  You could click the mouse when in the centre of the field of vision and you should view your cursor alter from a `+’ sign.  The cursor should not be moved beyond the window or one would lose control.  The mouse would be capable of controlling your plane in the air and if the cursor is within the Google Earth window.
  • Taking off- when the plane tends to go faster down the runway, you could attempt moving the mouse black a bit from the centre and if going adequately fast you should take off.  One should be aware of just making small motions with the mouse close to the centre of the screen. Once you have attained wing level you could put the mouse towards the centre.
  • To make a turn, slightly move the mouse towards the right or left and once your plane is tilted, you could slight pull back. When the needed turn is made, push the mouse back towards the centre and thereafter the other direction to tilt the plane back to level.
  • If you intend to pause for a moment, just hit the space key on the keyboard and it would stop the simulator and then hit space to resume.
  • Start higher – You could position the view in Google Earth in the usual mode thus you are at least 30,000 feet above ground level.  You could tilt the view so one would be looking at the horizon. Thereafter you could restart the flight simulator mode to opt for what plane to utilise together with the other options. Opt for Select your start position > Current view in the window and thereafter opt for Start light.  You need to add power by hitting the Page up key after opening it and then can practice flying for some time before landing on the ground.