Google Earth Flight Simulator Controls & Keyboard Shortcuts
Last updated: 2026-06-16
In the Google Earth flight simulator you steer with the mouse or arrow keys, control throttle with Page Up / Page Down, toggle flaps and gear with G / F, and exit with Esc. A joystick or gamepad also works.
Keyboard controls
| Action | Key |
|---|---|
| Speed up (throttle up) | Page Up |
| Slow down (throttle down) | Page Down |
| Steer left / right | Left / Right arrow keys or mouse |
| Pitch up (nose up) / down | Down / Up arrow keys or mouse |
| Extend / retract flaps | G / F |
| Raise / lower landing gear | G (toggle) |
| Toggle HUD overlay | H |
| Switch to full-screen view | Press the full-screen icon |
| Exit the flight simulator | Esc, or click Exit Flight Simulator |
Mouse controls
| Action | Mouse movement |
|---|---|
| Turn / bank the plane | Move the mouse left or right |
| Climb / dive | Move the mouse up or down |
| Centre the controls | Move the mouse to the centre of the screen |
| Click to capture controls | Click once inside the window to start steering |
Take-off and landing in short
- Take off: press Page Up to build speed, then move the mouse (or press the down arrow) to gently raise the nose.
- Cruise: keep the wings level by centring the mouse; small movements only.
- Land: reduce throttle with Page Down, line up with the runway, and descend slowly.
Frequently asked questions
- How do you speed up in the Google Earth flight simulator?
- Press Page Up to increase the throttle and speed up, and Page Down to slow down. You need enough speed before pulling back to take off, and you should reduce speed before landing.
- How do you steer the plane in Google Earth?
- You can steer with the mouse or the arrow keys. Moving the mouse left or right banks and turns the plane; moving it up or down controls climbing and diving. The arrow keys do the same job if you prefer keyboard control.
- How do you exit the Google Earth flight simulator?
- Press the Esc key, or click 'Exit Flight Simulator' in the on-screen menu. This returns you to the normal Google Earth map view.
- Can you use a joystick or gamepad?
- Yes. The flight simulator supports a connected joystick or gamepad in addition to keyboard and mouse. Connect the controller before opening the simulator so it is detected.