How to Start the Google Earth Flight Simulator
Last updated: 2026-06-16
To start the Google Earth flight simulator, open earth.google.com/web in a browser, then press Ctrl+Alt+A (Windows) or Cmd+Option+A (Mac). Choose the SR22 or F-16, pick a starting airport, and click Start Flight.
Open Google Earth →Step-by-step: open the flight simulator in 4 steps
- Open Google Earth on the web. Go to earth.google.com/web in Chrome, Edge, or Firefox. The flight simulator now lives in the web version, so nothing needs to be downloaded.
- Open the flight simulator. Press Ctrl+Alt+A on Windows or Cmd+Option+A on Mac. Alternatively, open the menu (the three lines, top-left) and choose Start Flight Simulator.
- Choose your aircraft and airport. Pick the SR22 (easier, slower) or the F-16 (faster, harder). Then choose to start from an airport or your current map location.
- Click Start Flight and take off. Use the throttle (Page Up to speed up) to gain speed, then pull back gently to lift off. Steer with the mouse or arrow keys.
Two ways to open it
| Method | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard shortcut | Ctrl+Alt+A | Cmd+Option+A |
| Menu | Menu (☰) → Start Flight Simulator | |
What you need
- A current browser — Chrome, Edge, or Firefox
- A keyboard and mouse (a gamepad also works)
- A stable internet connection for streaming 3D map data
Frequently asked questions
- What is the keyboard shortcut to open the Google Earth flight simulator?
- Press Ctrl+Alt+A on Windows or Cmd+Option+A on Mac while Google Earth is open in your browser. This opens the flight simulator setup screen where you choose an aircraft and starting point.
- Why can't I find the flight simulator in Google Earth?
- Make sure you are using the web version at earth.google.com/web, not the mobile app, which does not include the flight simulator. Open the left-hand menu and look for 'Start Flight Simulator'. If it is missing, refresh the page or update your browser.
- Which plane should a beginner choose?
- Beginners should choose the SR22. It flies slower and is far more forgiving than the F-16, making take-off, steering, and landing much easier to learn.