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).Flight Simulator Keyboard Controls - Google Earth User Guide - Link.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.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Aug 31, 2007 04:00 PM
Computers, Online |
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Comments
Oldest comments listed first.
| 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: 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: Internet Marketing Guru on August 28, 2008 at 9:02 AM |
Wow! I didn't know that! Awesome!
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