Google Earth 4.2 comes with a nifty Easter egg - a hidden flight simulator! You can fly your virtual airplane from several airports or start mid-air from any location in Google Earth.
Once you open Flight Simulator the first time, it will always be available as an option for you to explore later.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 30 seconds
Here's How:
- Make sure you have Google Earth 4.2. If you have an older version, you'll need an updated copy from earth.google.com.
- Launch Google Earth, and go to the Fly to box in the upper left hand corner.
- Type in "Lilienthal." This should open Flight Simulator. If you're directed to Lilienthal, Germany, that means you've already launched Flight Simulator. You can launch it from Tools: Enter Flight Simulator.
- Choose a plane. Your choice is an F16 or an SR22. Both of them are fairly simple to fly once you get used to the controls.
- Choose an airport location from the drop-down menu. You can also use your current location, which is a really fun way to zoom around your neighborhood.
- Once you've chosen your settings, press Start Flight.
Tips:
- You can also open Flight Simulator by pressing Ctrl + Alt + A on Windows or Command/Open Apple Key + Option + A on a Mac.
- If you crash your plane, Google will alert you and ask if you want to exit Flight Simulator mode or resume your flight.
