The graphics are realistic, and the controls are sensitive enough to feel like you have a lot of control. If you crash your plane, Google Earth asks if you want to exit Flight Simulator or resume your flight. See Google’s instructions for using the virtual plane. There are separate directions if you’re using a joystick versus a mouse and keyboard.
How to Get the Google Earth Flight Simulator
When Google Earth is installed, follow these instructions to activate the Flight Simulator:
Using the Heads-Up Display
As you fly, you can monitor everything on the heads-up display that shows on the screen. Use it to see your current speed in knots, the direction your aircraft is headed, the rate of ascent or descent in feet per minute, and several other settings relating to throttle, rudder, aileron, elevator, pitch, altitude, and flap and gear indicators.
How to Exit the Flight Simulator
When you are finished flying, you can exit the flight simulator in two ways:
For Older Versions of Google Earth
These steps apply to Google Earth 4.2. The menu isn’t the same as on newer versions:
Google Earth Conquers Space
After you perfect the skills necessary to pilot your plane anywhere in the world, you may want to sit back and enjoy the Google Earth Pro virtual astronaut program and visit Mars in Google Earth. (Requires Google Earth Pro 5 or later.)
