Overview
- The flight simulator is available now in Google Earth on web and is launched from Explore Earth → Tools → Flight Simulator without any download required.
- Controls use the keyboard arrow keys for pitch and roll and Page Up/Page Down to change thrust, with an option to toggle to mouse-guided input.
- Google warns the simulator uses dynamic streaming of high-resolution imagery and 3D geometry so flying fast or on slow connections can cause temporary texture or model loading delays.
- If the aircraft collides with terrain or objects the simulation pauses and offers an immediate restart that restores the plane to a safe altitude and coordinates.
- The tool is experimental and simplified for accessible aerial exploration rather than high-fidelity training, and it updates a long-hidden desktop 'Easter egg' flight mode first seen in Google Earth in 2007.