Hidden Google Earth flight simulator?

Make 1073
Make 1074
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.

Posted by Phillip Torrone | Aug 31, 2007 04:00 PM
Computers, Online | Permalink | Comments (20) | Email This | Bookmark and Share | Digg this!

Recent Entries

Comments

Oldest comments listed first.

Posted by: BdeRWest on August 31, 2007 at 5:52 PM

Didn't work fo' me :'(


Posted by: BdeRWest on August 31, 2007 at 5:54 PM

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


Posted by: eccramer on August 31, 2007 at 5:54 PM

"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.


Posted by: makermatt on August 31, 2007 at 5:54 PM

didnt work for me either


Posted by: philliptorrone on August 31, 2007 at 6:03 PM

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


Posted by: Windell_Oskay on August 31, 2007 at 6:03 PM

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


Posted by: HobHayward on August 31, 2007 at 6:53 PM

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


Posted by: pdj on August 31, 2007 at 7:49 PM

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


Posted by: paulbeard@gmail.com on August 31, 2007 at 9:58 PM

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


Posted by: GarrettM on September 1, 2007 at 3:45 AM

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.


Posted by: gudhart on September 1, 2007 at 7:37 AM

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 ;-)


Posted by: gudhart on September 1, 2007 at 7:42 AM

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


Posted by: fatnickc on September 1, 2007 at 11:27 AM

I'm on 4.2.0181.2634 with XP SP2 and can't seem to get this to work...


Posted by: fatnickc on September 1, 2007 at 11:29 AM

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


Posted by: unununium on September 1, 2007 at 2:20 PM

wow, needs work, but nice little hidden feature


Posted by: N0QBH on September 1, 2007 at 4:50 PM

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


Posted by: djshfjksdhfgjksdbn on September 2, 2007 at 9:46 AM

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


Posted by: djshfjksdhfgjksdbn on September 2, 2007 at 9:49 AM

okay - it works, just make sure the 'map' screen is hot


Posted by: ByMsT on November 19, 2007 at 10:49 AM

Thanks


Posted by: Internet Marketing Guru on August 28, 2008 at 9:02 AM

Online Marketing Manager

Wow! I didn't know that! Awesome!


Leave a comment


Subscribe to MAKE!Subscribe to MAKE Magazine!

Subscribe today, save 42% and get web access to MAKE free. MAKE Digital Edition is available only to subscribers.

$34.95 / 1 year
(4 Quarterly Issues)

Subscribe now

How-to videos for Makers and Crafers!


Void your warranty, violate a user agreement, fry a circuit, blow a fuse, poke an eye out... Welcome to the Make Blog!

Features and more @ MAKE!


Add MAKE to iGoogle - GoogleGoogle.
Add MAKE to your RSS reader - Real simple.
Add MAKE on Twitter.
Add MAKE on FriendFeed & the MAKE room.


Advertise here with FM.

Why advertise on MAKE?
Read what folks are saying about us!

Click here to advertise on MAKE!

Subscribe to MAKE Magazine!


Phillip Torrone.Phillip Torrone
Senior Editor
Tel: 707-827-7311


Gareth BranwynGareth Branwyn
Robot Maker


Kip KayKip Kay
Video Maker


Jonah Brucker-Cohen Jonah Brucker-Cohen
Artist / Researcher

Suggest a Site!

Natalie Zee DrieuNatalie Zee Drieu
Senior Editor
CRAFT


Becky Stern Becky Stern
Culture jammer


Collin CunninghamCollin Cunningham
Sound Maker


Marc de Vinck Marc de Vinck
CNC Maker

Current Podcast

itunesdl.gif Weekend Project: Ultimate LED Fan Sign Here is the ultimate sports fan item, a portable Flashing LED Sign.To download Ultimate Fan Sign MP4 click here or subscribe in iTunes.... More...

Get the Make blog sent via email

Enter your email to receive the Make blog each day:



WOW! Thanks to everyone involved with Maker Faire Bay Area: attendees, makers, exhibitors, sponsors, volunteers, and crew...it was AMAZING! Over 400 Makers and 60,000+ attendees! Be sure to check out the photos @ Flickr, and our Maker Faire posts for all the action! The next scheduled Maker Faire is Austin: Oct. 18th & 19th, 2008 - Travis County Expo Center!

Make Categories

www.flickr.com
photos in MAKE More photos in MAKE Flickr Pool
www.flickr.com
photos in Craft More photos in Craft Flickr Pool

Advertise here.
Why advertise on MAKE?
Read what folks are saying about us!

Click here to advertise on MAKE!
Subscribe to MAKE Magazine!

Recent Posts from the Craft: Blog

Recent Posts from the Hackszine Blog