Google Earth flight simulator opens in web browser

Google announced Friday that its flight simulator, previously hidden in the desktop app since 2007, is now available directly through any web browser. Users can access the mode without downloading or installing software. The company said the feature can be reached by opening the Google Earth website and clicking the "Explore Earth" button near the top right corner.

From there, the "Flight Simulator" option appears as the last item in the Tools section of the top menu bar.

How to use the simulator For the best experience, the company recommends selecting an interesting location first, as the default starting point may load over open ocean. Users should also switch the basemap from Map to Satellite view for a photorealistic display.

The simulator supports keyboard or mouse controls, with instructions available on a dedicated help page. The experience is simpler than dedicated flight games, and the simulator pauses after an unplanned landing to allow users to reset the aircraft to a safe altitude.