Google Earth Flight Simulator lets you fly over real locations around the world without spending a dime. The feature turns your screen into a cockpit where you can pilot aircraft over cities, mountains, and landmarks. Many people think flight simulators require expensive gaming PCs, but Chromebooks can run this feature too.
The catch is that you need Google Earth Pro, which is a desktop application. The web version of Google Earth does not include the flight simulator. Chromebooks run ChromeOS, not Windows or Mac, so you need to install Linux apps on your Chromebook first. Once you enable Linux and install Google Earth Pro, the flight simulator becomes accessible.
The process takes about 10 minutes if your Chromebook supports Linux. All Chromebooks from 2020 onward support this feature.
How to Use Google Earth Flight Simulator on Chromebook
The Google Earth Flight Simulator on Chromebook requires enabling Linux and installing Google Earth Pro. Follow these steps to get started.
Enable Linux on Your Chromebook
Open Settings on your Chromebook and scroll down to find the Developers section under Advanced. Click Turn On next to the Linux development environment option.
Follow the setup prompts and wait for Linux to finish installing. You will see a Terminal app appear in your app launcher inside a folder called Linux Apps.
This step is essential because Google Earth Pro runs through Linux on ChromeOS. Without Linux enabled, you cannot install the desktop version of Google Earth.
Download Google Earth Pro for Linux
Visit the official Google Earth download page and select the Debian version for Linux. Chromebooks use Debian Linux, so make sure you pick the correct file type.
The download will appear in your Downloads folder as a .deb file. This file format works with the Linux environment on your Chromebook.
Install Google Earth Pro
Open the Files app and locate the Google Earth Pro .deb file you just downloaded. Right-click the file and select Install with Linux.
A small window will pop up asking you to confirm the installation. Click Install and wait a few seconds for the process to complete. You will see a notification when installation finishes.
For more details on how to install Google Earth Pro on a Chromebook, check out our complete guide.
Launch the Flight Simulator
Open your app launcher and look for the Linux Apps folder. You should see Google Earth Pro listed there. Click the icon to open the application.
Once Google Earth Pro loads, click Tools in the top menu bar. Select Enter Flight Simulator from the dropdown list. You can also press Ctrl + Alt + A as a keyboard shortcut.
Choose Your Aircraft and Starting Point
A dialog box will appear with two aircraft options. The SR22 is a propeller plane that flies slower and is easier to control for beginners. The F-16 is a fighter jet that moves faster but requires more skill.
Pick a starting airport from the dropdown menu or choose Current View to begin from wherever you are looking on the map. Click Start Flight to begin.
Fly the Plane
Press Page Up to increase speed and move down the runway. Use the arrow keys to steer left or right. Once you gain enough speed, the plane will lift off.
Keep the plane steady by making small adjustments with the arrow keys. Press Page Down to reduce speed if needed. You can explore any location on Earth by flying around and adjusting your altitude.
If you crash, Google Earth will ask if you want to restart or exit. The controls take practice, so expect a few crashes at first.
FAQs
Does the Google Earth Flight Simulator work on all Chromebooks?
Only Chromebooks that support Linux apps can run the flight simulator. All Chromebooks made since 2020 support Linux. Older models may not have this feature. Check your settings to confirm.
Can I use a joystick with the flight simulator on Chromebook?
Joystick support depends on your specific Chromebook model and whether Linux recognizes the device. Most users stick with keyboard controls since joystick compatibility is limited on ChromeOS devices.
Is the Google Earth Flight Simulator free to use?
Yes, the flight simulator is completely free. You just need to install Google Earth Pro, which is also free to download. No subscription or payment is required to access this feature.
How much storage does Google Earth Pro require on a Chromebook?
Google Earth Pro requires about 500-600 MB of storage space. Make sure you have enough free space before installing. The Linux environment itself also needs storage to function properly.
Can I fly over my own neighborhood in the simulator?
Yes, you can fly anywhere on Earth. Search for your address or neighborhood in Google Earth Pro, then start the flight simulator from that location using the Current View option.
