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06 Numbers and Powers

Google Earth Flight Simulator: How to Use It

Card No. 06·11450 · Updated · Standard formula, shown below

Average speed 800.0 km/h
Total flight time
60 min
You entered
Distance flown
800 km
You entered
You enter
Total flight time, Distance flown
You get
Average speed
Rounding
1 dp

Yes, Google Earth includes a built-in flight simulator that lets you pilot a virtual aircraft over real-world terrain. You can activate it from the desktop app’s menu or with keyboard shortcuts, then choose between two aircraft and take off from any location on the globe.

Formula

The calculator above works out your average ground speed during a simulated flight. The formula is:

Average speed (km/h) = Distance (km) ÷ [Time (min) ÷ 60]

Where:

  • Time (t) – total flight duration in minutes (e.g., 60 min)
  • Distance (d) – ground distance covered in kilometers (e.g., 800 km)

This is the same math used for real-world flight planning: speed equals distance divided by time, with minutes converted to hours.

Worked Example

Using the default values from the calculator:

  1. Flight time = 60 minutes
  2. Distance = 800 km
  3. Convert time to hours: 60 ÷ 60 = 1 hour
  4. Speed = 800 ÷ 1 = 800 km/h

The calculator returns 800.0 km/h, matching the manual calculation. If you flew 800 km in 45 minutes, the speed would be 800 ÷ 0.75 = 1066.7 km/h.

What Is the Google Earth Flight Simulator?

The flight simulator is a hidden feature in Google Earth Pro (the desktop version, free to download). It is not available in the web browser version or the mobile app. It was originally added in 2007 as an experimental tool, and it has remained largely unchanged since. You can fly a virtual F-16 fighter jet or a Cirrus SR-22 propeller plane over real satellite imagery and 3D terrain, with basic cockpit instruments and joystick or mouse controls.

It is not a full flight sim like Microsoft Flight Simulator or X-Plane—there are no airports with working air traffic control, no weather systems, and no detailed aircraft systems. Instead, it is a fun, free way to explore the world from above and practice basic flying skills.

How to Start the Flight Simulator

To launch it in Google Earth Pro:

  1. Open Google Earth Pro on your computer (Windows, Mac, or Linux).
  2. Click the Tools menu and select Enter Flight Simulator (or press Ctrl+Alt+A on Windows, Cmd+Option+A on Mac).
  3. Choose your aircraft: F-16 (fast, jet-powered) or SR-22 (slower, propeller-driven).
  4. Select a start location: either the current view, a specific airport, or any place you have saved.
  5. Click Start Flight.

If you prefer keyboard shortcuts, you can press Ctrl+Alt+A (Windows) or Cmd+Option+A (Mac) directly to open the dialog.

Controls and How to Fly

Once flying, you control the aircraft with your mouse or a joystick. The default mouse controls are:

  • Move mouse – pitch (nose up/down) and roll (bank left/right)
  • Left click – increase throttle (speed)
  • Right click – decrease throttle
  • Spacebar – pause the simulation
  • R – reset the flight to the starting point

If you have a joystick, plug it in before starting; Google Earth will detect it automatically. Keyboard keys for rudder and view are listed in the Help menu while flying.

Takeoff is simple: increase throttle with left clicks until the speed indicator shows enough airspeed, then pull back gently on the mouse to lift off. The SR-22 is more forgiving for beginners; the F-16 is very fast and hard to control at low altitude.

Common Problems and Fixes

Users often run into a few issues:

  • Flight simulator option is greyed out – This happens if you are using the web version or mobile app. You must download Google Earth Pro for desktop.
  • No sound – The simulator has no engine audio; it only shows visual instruments. This is normal.
  • Crashing into terrain – The simulator does not have collision detection; you will simply fly through mountains. To avoid confusion, keep an eye on the altimeter.
  • Can’t control the plane – Make sure the mouse pointer is not over the menu bar. Move the mouse into the main view area.
  • Frame rate is low – Turn off 3D buildings or lower the graphics quality in Tools > Options.

If the simulator does not start at all, restart Google Earth Pro and try again. It is a stable feature, but it can conflict with certain graphics drivers.

Comparing with Other Flight Simulators

Google Earth’s simulator is not a serious training tool. Real flight simulators like Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020 or 2024) offer realistic physics, global airports, live weather, and detailed cockpits. X-Plane is another popular option with accurate aerodynamics. Google Earth’s advantage is that it is completely free, runs on modest hardware, and lets you fly over the actual satellite imagery of your own neighborhood or any landmark. It is best for casual exploration, not for learning to fly a real plane.

If you want a free, more realistic alternative, FlightGear is an open-source flight simulator with a steeper learning curve but far more depth. For pure sightseeing, Google Earth remains the simplest choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Google Earth flight simulator free?

Yes, it is completely free. Google Earth Pro is free to download, and the flight simulator is included with no extra cost or in-app purchases.

Can I use the flight simulator on my phone or tablet?

No. The flight simulator is only available in the desktop version of Google Earth Pro. It does not work on the Android, iOS, or web versions.

What is the difference between the F-16 and the SR-22?

The F-16 is a military jet with a top speed of roughly 1,200 knots (2,200 km/h) and very responsive controls. The SR-22 is a small propeller aircraft with a cruise speed around 180 knots (330 km/h) and much gentler handling. Beginners should start with the SR-22.

Can I land at any airport?

Yes, you can land on any runway that appears in Google Earth’s imagery. However, the simulator does not provide runway markings or guidance, so you must judge your approach visually. There is no crash detection, so even a rough landing will not end the flight.

Does the simulator have realistic physics?

No. The flight model is very simplified. It does not simulate stall, spin, or weather effects. It is designed for fun and sightseeing, not for pilot training.

How do I exit the flight simulator?

Press Esc or click the Exit Flight Simulator button in the top-right corner of the screen. You will return to the normal Google Earth view.

Related

Formula used
in t | Total flight time | min | 60 | 1 | 1440
in d | Distance flown | km | 800 | 1 | 20000
out speed | Average speed | km/h | (d / (t / 60)) | 1

Each line is one input (in, sel, list) or one result (out: label, unit, formula, decimals). How the calculators work

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.

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