FlightGear is free to download and play. See what is included, which costs are optional, and what its open-source licence allows.
Yes. FlightGear is free to download, install and play on supported Windows, macOS and Linux computers. It is open-source software released under the GNU General Public License, with no purchase price, subscription, activation requirement or time limit. You may pay for hardware, controls, storage or internet access, but none of those is a FlightGear fee.
What is included in the free FlightGear download?
The free FlightGear package includes the core simulator, flight dynamics, aircraft, airports, weather features and access to worldwide scenery. It is not a limited trial, and FlightGear does not place normal simulator functions behind paid tiers or in-app purchases.
Worldwide scenery is not all stored in the initial installer. FlightGear can retrieve scenery for the regions in which you fly, so the scenery cache may consume more disk space over time. Additional aircraft and third-party content can also have separate licences, although payment is not required for the core simulator and its standard project content.
Our free FlightGear package for Windows, macOS and Linux provides the simulator download and platform details.
Does FlightGear have subscriptions or hidden charges?
FlightGear has no mandatory subscription, paid account or recurring simulator charge. The practical expenses come from running the software rather than buying it.
| Potential expense | Required? | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| FlightGear licence | No charge | The simulator can be used indefinitely without payment. |
| Computer | Yes | You need a compatible computer with enough graphics performance, memory and storage. |
| Internet access | Initially | Needed for the download and useful for scenery streaming, live features and multiplayer. Previously downloaded content can be used offline. |
| Joystick or pedals | No | Keyboard and mouse controls are included; dedicated controls are optional. |
| Extra storage | Sometimes | Aircraft and cached scenery can make an installation considerably larger. |
A mistake we see constantly is assuming that free software has no hardware demands. Before downloading large scenery areas, check the practical FlightGear hardware and storage requirements.
Do I need a joystick to play FlightGear?
No, FlightGear can be flown with a keyboard and mouse, so a controller is not an entry cost. A joystick or yoke usually provides finer pitch, roll and rudder control, but it does not unlock extra aircraft or simulator features.
Why are some copies of FlightGear sold for money?
The GNU General Public License permits commercial redistribution when its licence conditions are followed. A seller may therefore charge for physical media, packaging or support, but purchasing such a package is not necessary to obtain or use FlightGear.
Check the included version and supported operating system before accepting any paid offer. Individually distributed aircraft, scenery or services may also use their own licence terms; those terms do not turn the core FlightGear simulator into paid software.
How do I download FlightGear for free?
- Check compatibility. Confirm that your computer has enough storage and suitable graphics support before downloading.
- Select the correct package. Choose the installer or archive built for your operating system and processor.
- Install the simulator. Windows users can follow our step-by-step FlightGear installation process rather than relying on a paid installer.
- Configure the first flight. Select an aircraft, airport, controls and scenery source. Our first-launch setup steps cover these choices without requiring paid add-ons.