Hidden Google Earth flight simulator?

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.

20 Responses to Hidden Google Earth flight simulator?

BdeRWest on August 31st, 2007 at 5:52 pm said:

Didn’t work fo’ me :’(

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BdeRWest on August 31st, 2007 at 5:54 pm said:

Actually, I’m running GE 4.0.whatever, so it might be only 4.2 or whatnot… installing update now..

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eccramer on August 31st, 2007 at 5:54 pm said:

“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.

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makermatt on August 31st, 2007 at 5:54 pm said:

didnt work for me either

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philliptorrone on August 31st, 2007 at 6:03 pm said:

make sure you have the latest version and you hit the keys, a lot — it took me a few gos.

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Windell_Oskay on August 31st, 2007 at 6:03 pm said:

Worked after 4.0 -> 4.2 update (Mac). Nice easter egg!

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HobHayward on August 31st, 2007 at 6:53 pm said:

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

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pdj on August 31st, 2007 at 7:49 pm said:

Works just fine with the latest version. Well, it would work, if I didn’t consistently crash immediately after takeoff.

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paulbeard@gmail.com on August 31st, 2007 at 9:58 pm said:

yeah, it’s also a tad limited on tiny laptop keyboards. Glad these planes don’t cost anything

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GarrettM on September 1st, 2007 at 3:45 am said:

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.

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gudhart on September 1st, 2007 at 7:37 am said:

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

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gudhart on September 1st, 2007 at 7:42 am said:

“Adapt OR be eaten”, is what I meant to type, sorry

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fatnickc on September 1st, 2007 at 11:27 am said:

I’m on 4.2.0181.2634 with XP SP2 and can’t seem to get this to work…

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fatnickc on September 1st, 2007 at 11:29 am said:

Well, I got it to work using Ctrl + Windows + A.

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unununium on September 1st, 2007 at 2:20 pm said:

wow, needs work, but nice little hidden feature

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N0QBH on September 1st, 2007 at 4:50 pm said:

Great feature that I probably wouldn’t have found w/o MAKE. Thanks! I’ve only ruined one F-16 in two flights.

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djshfjksdhfgjksdbn on September 2nd, 2007 at 9:46 am said:

doesn’t work on Mac running 4.2.0180.1134 (beta) [sky]
tried every possible combination.

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djshfjksdhfgjksdbn on September 2nd, 2007 at 9:49 am said:

okay – it works, just make sure the ‘map’ screen is hot

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ByMsT on November 19th, 2007 at 10:49 am said:

Thanks

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Internet Marketing Guru on August 28th, 2008 at 9:02 am said:

Wow! I didn’t know that! Awesome!

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