You could fly your virtual airplane from severalairportsor start midair from any location.

See Google’s instructions for using the virtual plane.

There are separate directions if you’re using a joystick versus a mouse and keyboard.

Screenshot of Enter Flight Simulator menu option in Google Earth (Mac)

It does not work with the online version of Google Earth.

Choose between the F-16 and SR22 plane.

If you decide to change planes, you must exit the flight simulator first.

Screenshot of Plane options in Google Earth flight simulator (Mac)

Pick a starting location in the next section.

you’ve got the option to pick one from a list of airports or select your current location.

After you choose your options, pressStart Flightin the lower right.

Screenshot of Google Earth Pro’s Start Flight button (Mac)

you’re able to also select theEsckey.

For Older Versions of Google Earth

These steps apply to Google Earth 4.2.

TypeLilienthalto open Flight Simulator.

A screenshot of the Google Earth Heads Up Display in the Flight Simulator.

If you’re directed to Lilienthal, Germany, it means you’ve already launched Flight Simulator.

In this case, you’ve got the option to launch it fromTools>Enter Flight Simulator.

Choose a plane and an airport from the respective drop-down menus.

Screenshot of Exit flight simulator button in Google Earth Pro (Mac)

Start Flight Simulator with theStart Flightbutton.

(Requires Google Earth Pro 5 or later.)