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Google Earth Flight Simulator

Posted by kdawson on from the now-that's-an-easter-egg dept.

insidedesign writes "Blogger Marco has recently discovered that the newest version of Google Earth includes a flight simulator. Though simple in comparison to full-blown simulators, Google Earth's is fun and addictive. To get started, press Ctrl+Alt+A for the initial dialog (on OS X, Command+Option+A). Then choose your plane (F16 or SR22) and initial airport. Joysticks are supported; it has even been reported that force feedback works. The game's controls are sensitive so it takes some getting used to. Here are all the available controls. For a quick overview, check out this YouTube video."

8 of 187 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Pentagon? by Cervantes · · Score: 5, Funny

    Is it possible to fly the plane into the Pentagon while hitting light poles along the way? It's hard to tell, as soon as you approach the Pentagon things get really fuzzy and 8-bit.
    --
    If I knew the wedgies I gave you back in 6th grade would have resulted in this . . . I might have taken a moments pause.
  2. Terrorism? by German_Dupree · · Score: 5, Funny

    I can just see the U.S. government attacking Google as a "terrorist training ground".

    Everyone knows that if it teaches you to fly an airplane, it's an Islam extremist hotbed.

  3. Wise Guys! by stox · · Score: 5, Funny

    The only airport they list for Chicago is Meigs. The only airport that no longer exists in Chicago.

    --
    "To those who are overly cautious, everything is impossible. "
  4. Re:Doom in Microsoft Office by brteag00 · · Score: 5, Informative

    > If I remember right, one version of Excel also had a flight simulator.

    Yep, Excel '97 had a flight sim.
      - Hit 'F5'
      - Jump to cell X97:L97
      - Press 'TAB'
      - Hold down and
      - Press the "Chart Wizard" button on the toolbar.

    I bet the graphics in this one are a little better, though.

  5. So does it work... by dbolger · · Score: 5, Funny

    ...with Google Sky?

    Start thrusters, take off, aim nose towards Andromeda, sit back and wait for two million years, find an airport, land.

    Sweet! :D

  6. Sweet by John+Frink · · Score: 5, Informative

    Just tried a flight, shows hills and everything. Way more than I expected from an easter egg. Kudos to the guy who dreamed this up.

    --
    Who is this Jimmy character, and why was he cracking corn in the first place?
  7. Re:This would be a great post for April 1 by Goaway · · Score: 5, Informative

    Quoting the very page you linked to:

    Once you have entered flight simulator mode for the first time, you can re-enter the mode by choosing Tools > Enter Flight Simulator.

    So no, it's not in the Tools menu by default, and yes, it's an easter egg.

  8. Time to update the old corollary? by Ant+P. · · Score: 5, Funny

    All programs expand indefinitely until they include a flight simulator. And email.