I’m sure Google will get around to creating some more documentation for the new flight simulator mode. But, I’ve had several people ask what the indicators mean in the head up display (HUD) – the green indicators when you run the flight sim. So, here is a diagram explaining the different indicators (click on the picture for a bigger version):
By the way, if you have your Google Earth window too wide, parts of the HUD (like the heading indicator at the top) may be cut off. Simply make your window shaped closer to a box to get it to re-appear. Also, read my basic flying tips article for more help on how to fly Google Earth, or watch the video if you’ve never seen it in action.
Advanced tip
A GEB reader has discovered that there are configuration files in the directory where Google Earth is installed which allow you re-configure the flight simulator. CAUTION – make backups of these files and be aware that any problems you cause by modifying them are at your own risk. The directory on Windows to look for is: “C:\Program Files\Google\Google Earth\res\flightsim”. Here you will find flightsim.ini, and several directories with other ini files for the HUD, keyboard, and aircraft. You can edit these files with a basic editor and modify key mappings, flight physics for the aircraft, and other things like the choices of airport starting points.
About Frank Taylor
Frank Taylor started the Google Earth Blog in July, 2005 shortly after Google Earth was first released. He has worked with 3D computer graphics and VR for many years and was very impressed with this exciting product. Frank completed a 5.5 year circumnavigation of the earth by sailboat in June 2015 which you can read about at Tahina Expedition, and is a licensed pilot, backpacker, diver, and photographer.