Google Earth Flight Simulator Tutorial

This is a basic tutorial on flying the Google Earth built-in flight simulator, which is available for free around the world. My original tutorial was made back when it was first introduced in 2007, and now KZbin can handle much higher resolution videos and computers today can make the flight simulator run so much faster. This video was captured at 2560x1440 resolution at 60FPS on a Windows 8 PC with max graphics settings including antialiasing. I'll make a tutorial later on how to tweak your graphics settings. The tutorial includes a basic takeoff, flight, and landing, and demonstration of flying the jet.
More details at Google Earth Blog (gearthblog.com) - search the blog for "Flight Simulator Tips" for more details.

[@QuantumBraced]

They should do a driving simulator with a GPS and navigation in the corner.

[@red_five3325]

Agreed - and "street view" is not it. I want an ACTUAL driving simulator as well as a flying simulator.

[@alanssnack1192]

they do, its called euro truck simulator.

[@edwinlundmark]

It's not made by google and doesn't use google earth

[@realcubeguide]

what about train simulator?

[@azkaraditya8509]

You can almost do a driving simulation by doing ground view, then use arrow keys to move. Or you can make a path or a route from direction, then play tour of the path/route (And you can also change the view of the tour in settings to make it like you were really driving).

[@stufromoz8164]

It's good to know that if I crash I won't get hurt.

[@jodescampbell9041]

No one likes you

[@buffjokester2448]

@@jodescampbell9041 Lel

[@dogbloxz7142]

Jodes Campbell so no one likes? How about two three and four then?

[@lukeskywanker7839]

@@jodescampbell9041 118 people disagree with you, incel.

[@HurricaneBeryl]

Jodes Campbell Wow, you didn’t have to be mean to him

[@CPorter]

Thank you so much for inspiring them. I remember me and my brother finding out through screwing around on google earth how we could get the flight simulator. Less then a week later in school, everyone knew how to do it, and fly planes around the world. One kid i remember named Mason even flew from the San Francisco Airport to JFK (i think it was). Took him all class, but he did. This had to be around 2010.

[@GolperDhoni]

Hi

[@ahfez]

Sir, I want to suggest an addition. 1. Third person recorded view of the plane from ground, 2. Autopilot where user could arrange a route and enjoy the surrounding view along the journey

[@nigellawrence9180]

I agree with him

[@zachkb9967]

facts ==4

[@QuantumBraced]

They need to add GPS and cruise control. I wanted to do an around the world flight and I actually did Sydney -> Honolulu -> Los Angeles -> New York -> London, literally landing and taking off from all of these cities, took me 2 days. And then I was flying to Istanbul and Google Earth crashed. :( I had to constantly check my coordinates to make sure I was on course, and despite using the "C" command to center my steering, the aircraft would drift and I'd have to course correct every hour or so. If they add a few small features and fix the crashing, this could be a super fun thing.

[@prulcan]

Is not easy to navigate.. but can be done. You can make your own path. I fly all over the world. Even trough the atlantic ocean from Europe to States. Only you need a good conection MP3 audio file of aircraft white sound and that's it.

[@ArtyDc600]

Buy fs2020

[@prulcan]

@@ArtyDc600 do you a have a PC that i could maybe run FS2020?

[@Orincaby]

@@ArtyDc600 ah yes, because everybody has an RTX 70185 and an Intel i60 494489KKK

[@laamaboi6394]

this actually made my childhood. I just never managed to land. :D

[@circuit10]

Use the small plane. Press F until the flaps are at 100%. Get the speed to below 100. Land at a shallow angle.

[@chickeninabox]

I landed in a road

[@smalls5001]

i crashed into the wtc

[@zachkb9967]

:d

[@MxCrompli]

This in a nutshell: "Ever wanted to crash with an airplane into your own house?" "Now you can, for free!"

[@username4463]

Damn precisely

[@yeetgamer1765]

no need to buy the microsoft Flight sim that blows ur pc

[@terasgamer9097]

@@yeetgamer1765 It is a great game though

[@yeetgamer1765]

@@terasgamer9097 ya i know i hav 750 hours of play on this

[@richardnguyen9584]

5:48 to skip the intro

[@alanconway648]

actually itd be around 2mins cuz of how to get into the airplane stuff

[@bow-89]

3:16

[@joshbenjamin1100]

I've done the Kathmandu to Lukla (most dangerous airport in the world, or at least on any top five most dangerous airport list) flight a number of times. It's so beautiful, and flying the single engine is remarkably accurate at such high elevations.

[@gearthblog]

+bier00t Hit SPACE bar to pause the simulator, then hit CTRL-B to turn on the sidebar, then turn the 3D Buildings layer on. Then you can turn off the sidebar, and resume the simulator.

[@LivingWalks]

Hi there, I've been enjoying watching and learning from this. We film natural sight and sound walks in soulful cities, so it's lovely to see cities from a different viewpoint, thank you for taking the time to add it.

[@waynemiller6070]

Thanks for the post. As I sat on the runway, I didn't know how to "GO". Lol.

[@frankm720]

Thank you so much. This answers many questions I had that the google instructions failed to answer.

[@cseeger1]

I'd like to see weapons added in the next version and hostile alien UFOs after that.

[@PAULLONDEN]

At the very least an engine sound ?. Google might not want to compete with the video game industry......

[@role1429]

ummmmmm...... this is google earth not a game lol

[@armondtanz]

The ability to control weather----storms, hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunami's, fires, lightning.... mwhahahahaha

[@adox_theonly]

@@armondtanz Lets add Poseidon

[@armondtanz]

@@adox_theonly hey why not... lets add in a couple of krakens, a 80ft gorilla and a fire breathing dragon

[@paulhinson8030]

Google Earth is amazing in flight simulator. And fun! Great way to learn geography and topography.

[@Russ-gy7tx]

It would be great if there were a helicopter (button) feature added along with F16 and SR22 flight simulator.

[@ldre5768]

Came here in 2020 after hearing about Microsoft Flight simulator

[@anhhungsteve]

Me too

[@ldre5768]

@@anhhungsteve greatttttt

[@VirtualAirTour]

Same here! I'm doing a comparison video and wanted to know how to use the flight simulator in Google Earth. Of course Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 looks way better. I wanted to produce a video for those who say "why not just use Google Earth" and don't understand the dramatic difference.

[@ldre5768]

@@VirtualAirTour That's great !!!!!

[@kaijoswilman]

@@VirtualAirTour real life needs a graphics update

[@razorgg]

I want to THANK YOU for getting this going and doing this tutorial, i was not clear but it seemed this was will a joy stick ? so i am going to go play with it,, my RV9A is having the panel replaced far too long now , and i used to love a flight Sim F/a-18 PSF, and i have some others i do not use much but, oh my the thought of having real images again, i want to thank you, and i am going to go try it now, Thank you

[@RayRift]

Awesome update Frank! Now we just need Google Earth in Oculus Rift. Sadly, I think Google wants it locked down for cardboard only? Idk..

[@stevewalker1550]

Nice Frank! I'm opening a small planetarium this summer and would love to know if I can access Google Earth Flight Simulator in HD

[@paulhinson8030]

Check out the far western part of the Grand Canyon where volcanoes used to dam the river. You can drop down in steep tight formations several thousand feet deep and land and take off!

[@paulhinson8030]

Even though the older original Flight Simulator is used in Google Earth the imagery makes it funner than newer Flight Simulator versions.

[@zachkb9967]

SO true..

[@justin.g25]

This guy will love microsoft flight simulator 2020

[@VirtualAirTour]

I would love to hear your thoughts on Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020. I'm working on a video comparing Google Earth to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 now.

[@iSpike]

FANTASTIC & Thank You!

[@daisyduck8593]

Joystick control, cockpit view and virtual reality would be very nice feature...

[@Spencer0405]

I live near the swiss alps. I was skiing two months ago there. If you have any questions about it, just ask!

[@MikeGreenwood51]

If Swiss cows are left to wander, do they wander up to above 3,000meters?

[@richardcallihan9746]

Hi, I've always loved exploring on google earth. I ran across the flight sim one day and tried it, crashing and burning. did a little research and got a Logitech extream 3-d pro joystick. I have had a lot of fun with it flying around and makes random exploring more fun for me. There's the control on top of joystick that allows you to look left/ right behind you etc. I'am sure you are aware of. when you fly fast and low manipulating this control is awkward. could my monitor be replaced with a basic vr headset just for viewing terrain? no cockpit view are any of that. I have google earth pro win 10 pro hp elite 8300 sff quad i7-3770 8gb ram 256gb SSD. USB 3.0. I know nothing about vr except for having one on my head before.

[@MichaelOberembt]

G key puts up the gears on the jet however don't put them up while on the ground your flight simulator will end. Also Shift key + F will reduce flaps. Thank you for your help, I did not know how use Google Flight Sim until now.

[@fantabulous6968]

Very nice, wish there was a way to import the 3D objects into MS flight simulator.

[@TemplarScaly]

Fan Tabulous how do I get that?

[@VirtualAirTour]

There is with the new version. Google import Google Earth into Microsoft Flight Simulator.

[@conga8936]

How to fly? What am I running the plane?

[@kindmulberry7196]

Is there a way to add the layers onto the flight sim? I.e. so the place names come up

[@thothheartmaat2833]

What are the Xbox controller controls? It works but I can't find the controls anywhere.. I figured out how to take off and fly around but I crashed when I tried to land so I'm not sure how to slow down and do certain things.

[@septentrinna]

I'm a fan of GEFS. I wonder if there's a community anywhere in the internet in which we can share experiences and videos of our experiences. For example, I'm able to land on the Circus Maximus at Rome without crashing or even scrapping any tree. It would be great to meet people that can make similar things!

[@paulis7319]

That would be great! Once I figure out how to video record my screen (for free) then I'll make another YT channel with exclusively GEFS videos. I'm a retired pilot and love landing on the smallest runways I can find (and highest elevation).

[@Arq_JuanCarlos]

can we see the name of the cities, while flying? Thank you.,

[@coconutwisdom585]

I can't turn around very well - I can bank east or west but it takes a long time to turn around - then it spirals downward and the simulator crashes. Also I have a MAC and I have to hit the function key and the page up page down key to control the throttle.

[@everwelwisher]

thanks you very much sir, i tried and little successful

[@kirukun-rk3uo]

my laptop has the arrow keys and page up key the same key and the one that goes up is the throttle thing on the right side not left pls help

[@dcrunicycles]

hello Frank, thank you . Do you know how to hook up a smart trainer, bicycle trainer or treadmill, to Google Earth or Google Street View? Sincerely

[@VassosOrphanides]

Could you please advise on how to enable sound for Flight Simulator? :-)

[@zibinwang6131]

idk why but when i press page up it changes the planes elevation thing not the throttle

[@maorappelbaum1288]

Love this video

[@kelvinslade5960]

Can you guys add more planes and cockpits?

[@VuNguyen-gp6fi]

Dude, I don't usually comment, but let's just say I had to like and comment this video!

[@josjo8574]

can i use this simulator with my thurstmaster stick control?

[@youdate1377]

Can you put clouds on the simulator? I have clouds clicked but once in enter the sim they seem to disappear.

[@prulcan]

use realistic atmosphere. you will be impressed with wiev. amazing sim. i alredy fly half of the world. from ljubljana in slovenia to washington. pain in the ass is flying acros Atlantic ocean. even has a save feature. as a starting pointwhen you start sim again.

[@chickeninabox]

They should add ray tracing

[@prulcan]

@@chickeninabox you can do a navigation like in a car. you have a blue line on the road. you just follow the line from the air. you have also line from poin a to point b. but for me follow the road from air is way more fun. i add mp3 of turbo pror plane as ambient.

[@mdshakir1599]

No what I do on Mac my plane doesn’t move. What could be possible solutions? Thanks!

[@llling369]

I can't enter the simulator. There's a problem with it.

[@appa609]

It'd be nice if controls can be changed. My joystick throttle axis auto binds to yaw and yaw to throttle so flying is not very fun.

[@acemonkey1016]

Thanks for the tutorial! I’m using a joystick and my pitch is extremely sensitive. Is there a way to adjust the settings on the application itself?

[@robmuzz]

In my Google Earth (PC) the option for Flight Simulation mode is there, but grayed out, why?

[@stefanandrejevic2570]

Microsoft Flight simulator 2020 before it existed

[@VirtualAirTour]

Excellent comment. There was also a third party add on for Flight Simulator X (2006) called TileProxy that imported Google/Bing imagery into the simulator as you flew. I view that as the true predecessor to what they are doing now. I'm doing a video now comparing Flight Simulator 2020 to Google Earth flight simulator. I hope to have it posted on my channel soon. Suffice to say, Flight Simulator completely destroys Google Earth, but that is to be expected.

[@ramnik.khanna]

@@VirtualAirTour Your wish has been granted! Just search KZbin for "Google Earth Decoder" video tutorials on how to import GE maps into MSFS 2020!

[@bier00t]

Why Google Earth is turning the 3D building layer off when I turn on the flight simulator?

[@ckookyest]

What if it doesn't load and shows lines of the and not the full thing?

[@SimplyTakuma]

Wow i will test that by Tokio and lookimg how big this city is

[@acuariux]

Would it be possible to build a car Simulator ? Using Google Street View?

[@PiotrBarcz]

Can you reset flaps in this?

[@zengalileo]

How do you turn on the SOUND? I want to hear the sound of the airplane, not just silence.

[@jeremiah9722]

Can someone help me pls my plane isnt moving at all when i press page up or page down

[@ping3488]

Loosing my 3D Building in Flight simulator mode...why ..? Thanks

[@Matt-ym3if]

this guy would have a field day with microsoft flight simulator.

[@tanaski6168]

how you download the googlemap in your pc

[@atomicjoc3771]

Hello, how can you show 3D building in the simulator ? I have 3D building in google earth, but when I start the flight, they disappear immidiatly. what's wrong ?

[@boldeagle2659]

can we add more planes?

[@freightdawg6762]

will this work with a sim like Xplane 11?

[@ronaldmcdonald794]

What’s the control to go up?

[@gunnarthesavagedangerous6164]

How to disengage flaps would be great

[@edwardwatson9478]

How can u get the app? Cos i can only get onto the window tab thingy on google

[@hdplus8400]

How to control it from keyboard?

[@ionutorama]

It will be amazing if you can integrate in FSX or Prepar3d!

[@ArtyDc600]

FS2020

[@alvaros3168]

How do you do this in the new version?

[@bengtnyberg8591]

How do You Start The engine?

[@doubleemcastillano464]

How do you feel about FS2020?

[@smallfluff7788]

thanks bud.

[@zengalileo]

You said you set us down at end of runway but you did not say how to do that. Is there a "at the end of the runway button?"

[@LeoSportGame]

Any tips for Landing i SUCK at Landing in Google Earth Pro

[@shivamtrivedi7040]

Thank you so much! I don't know you will see this comment or not because the video itself was uploaded 6 yrs ago. But still thanks.

[@crawnorris97]

Where is the map on blog, needle in haystack stuff, don't want to spend hours looking for it? 9:20 ish.

[@garyschraa7947]

Thank You

[@waynemiller6070]

Sure wish I could use these graphics with Microsoft FSX

[@aznyxx9435]

Guys, how can I turn off these photo icons during flight?

[@natnat999play]

The buildings are in 2d for me, why?

[@danialhamza6938]

that was hell of a landing ...... without gears

[@33818ual]

Never put the gear up after take off.kept them down all the time.

[@waltervare5483]

Me: fly anywere Inner me: fly it in the wtc

[@aaweso_me5200]

there is no wtc so how?

[@trapnationball1487]

do you mean ATC

[@trapnationball1487]

it means Air Traffic Control

[@waltervare5483]

Extra 330SC world trade center-_-

[@aaweso_me5200]

extra, it was 9/11? remember?

[@realtruenorth]

Does Google sell a flight sim yet? They should team up with MS if necessary and do it.

[@EthanGrey08]

It's Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 Beta basically because of the realism

[@dottycat67]

Why do you have the earth spinning the wrong way?

[@taohidataslimaassistantchi7418]

I GO IN MY PC AND I TAKE OFF BUT I AM TRY TO GO FORWARD BUT THE PLANE JUST GO LEFT FOR I TAKE OFF THE PLANE GO A PROBLEM THE PLANE GO LOOP AND LEFT LOOP

[@pauldonohue4255]

they really need to make this scenery available for a good flight simulator.

[@VirtualAirTour]

Apparently Microsoft agreed with you :) If you want to see where this tech is today, you can check out videos of the newly released Microsoft Flight Simulator (released in Aug 2020). It is completely mind blowing. Of course it's based on Bing maps data instead of Google Earth.

[@basketballjones6782]

Planes tend to want to turn due to P-factor, not torque. If it were due to torque, even jet aircraft would turn.

[@Apolleone]

Hi. I am trying to setup my Saitek X55 to use in Google Earth. I've found out that there are ini files with controller settings for some supported joystick. I've tried to do something like that for my joystick but it did not work. Is there any documentation on these ini's?

[@Apolleone]

I've found that generic.ini has enough documentation in it's comments. But Google Earth does not support multiple joysticks and X55 consists of 2 separate devices. I've ended up using vJoy and UJR, but it works now.

[@PiotrBarcz]

What earth now needs are semi accurate looking 3d models of airplanes and something always return the plane to level flight when you're not pressing the keys. Sort of like the flight instructor in warthunder. Also, sound effects, really needs sounds to be even close to half decent as right now this is crap.

[@frinky]

whats your actual gpu

[@jonreiser2206]

I want to see someone land the jet. I got really close to a landing once where I didn't crash, but in my excitement forgot to drop my gears.

[@Sandor_Elvin]

Is there a 3rd person cam

[@lachdem9893]

So humble wow

[@alanssnack1192]

so smug more like

[@Cake_soup]

Do that work in the 2020 version of Google Earth ?

[@ArenDisli]

Thanks

[@italianize]

now i think i can simulate a free space shuttle landing in kennedy space center!