Looking for a Google Maps flight simulator? Google Maps has none, but Google Earth Pro does. Find it and fix a missing menu option.
No. Google Maps does not include a flight simulator. The flyable Google simulator people usually mean is built into the desktop version of Google Earth Pro. It lets you pilot an F-16 or SR22 over Google Earth imagery using a keyboard, mouse or joystick, but it is much simpler than a dedicated flight simulator.
Google Maps vs Google Earth Pro
Only the desktop Google Earth Pro application includes Google's built-in flight simulator.
| Google product | Built-in flight simulator? | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Google Maps on the web or mobile | No | Maps, directions, satellite imagery and Street View |
| Google Earth on the web or mobile | No desktop-style flight mode | Interactive globe and 3D exploration |
| Google Earth Pro for desktop | Yes | Globe exploration plus a basic aircraft simulator |
Tilting Google Maps into a 3D view can resemble flying, but it provides no aircraft, flight controls or aerodynamic simulation.
Where is Google's flight simulator?
Google's flight simulator is opened from the Tools menu in Google Earth Pro on a desktop computer.
- Open Google Earth Pro, not Google Maps or the browser edition of Google Earth.
- Select the flight simulator from
Tools > Enter Flight Simulator. - Choose an aircraft: the available choices are an F-16 jet and a Cirrus SR22 light aircraft.
- Select a starting position, such as an airport or the location displayed in Google Earth.
- Choose your controller if a compatible joystick is connected, then begin the flight.
Aircraft handling is not explained clearly inside the selection window, so our guide to Google Earth Pro's flight controls and key commands covers the cockpit display, throttle, landing gear and basic flying controls.
What can Google Earth Pro's flight simulator do?
Google Earth Pro provides simple free flight over its global terrain and imagery rather than a complete aviation simulation.
- Fly the F-16 or SR22 from recognised airports or a chosen map position.
- Use a head-up display and basic aircraft controls.
- Explore mountains, cities and coastlines from the air.
- Control the aircraft with a keyboard, mouse or supported joystick.
Its strengths are quick sightseeing and geographical exploration. Aircraft systems, weather, air traffic control, navigation procedures and flight modelling are far more limited than in a dedicated simulator. Much of the imagery is streamed, so a reliable internet connection gives better results than relying on cached terrain.
Can you fly without a joystick?
Yes, Google Earth Pro can be flown with a keyboard and mouse, although fine control is harder than with a joystick.
Mouse steering must be engaged in the flight view, and the simulator's aircraft bindings differ from normal map navigation. Our advice on flying a simulator with keyboard and mouse controls explains the limitations and suitable alternatives.
Why is the flight simulator option missing?
The usual reason is that Google Maps or the browser edition of Google Earth is open instead of Google Earth Pro.
- No Tools menu: you are probably using a browser or mobile app. Open the installed desktop application.
- Google Earth Pro is installed but the command is absent: close the application, update or reinstall it, then check the Tools menu again.
- A 3D map is visible but there are no aircraft controls: this is normal map navigation, not flight-simulator mode.
- The joystick is not listed: connect it before opening the aircraft-selection window and confirm that the operating system recognises it.
Choosing Google Earth Pro or a full flight simulator
Choose Google Earth Pro for quick, uncomplicated sightseeing; choose a dedicated simulator for realistic aircraft systems, navigation, weather, procedures and structured flights.
If Google Earth feels too limited, our beginner's route into a dedicated home flight simulator explains the software and controls needed without assuming prior flying experience.