September 1st, 2007
Hidden flight simulator application in Google Earth
Though it’s nowhere close in features to the competition, Marco Gallotta found a hidden flight simulator feature inside the newest version of Google Earth — it’s actually not too shabby for the first go-around. There are two airplanes to choose from, several airports and of course the satellite imagery you have come to love in the actual Google Earth application.
You can use your joystick to control the airplane — using a keyboard is a bit tricky, but it’s fun anyway. If you are just looking to fly around your city and don’t feel like going out to purchase Microsoft Flight Simulator, just open up your Google Earth (make sure you are not inside the “search” textbox) and hold down ctrl + alt + “a”. If you did it right, you will be presented with a screen where you can choose your airplane and airport.
Keep in mind that you might as well not even bother comparing it to MS Flight Simulator — this one would get demolished. Take it for what it is — a free flight simulator with satellite imagery. Maybe one day it will be as good as Microsoft, or perhaps this is all it will ever be?
[images from Marco's Blog]
Garett Rogers 
is employed as a programmer for iQmetrix, which specializes in retail management software for the wireless industry.
See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations.
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