Flight Simulator inside Google Earth!

That Google recently added Google Sky to it's Google Earth application, we know. What we don't know is that the updated Google Earth also comes embedded with a hidden feature -- a flight simulator of sorts.

To activate the flight simulator, users can type Ctrl+Alt+A (keyboard shortcut) else Command+Option+A on OS X.

Once the feature is turned-on in Google Earth menus, users can either get a F16 'Viper' or SR22 plane to fly. They can select a start position with the Kathmandu runway as default option. Using the keyboard or mouse, users can control their aircraft. Even joysticks are supported. Getting the hang of controls is a bit tricky however once the plane is stabilized, users can get a nice view of say the Himalayas out on the horizon.

To re-enter flight simulator mode, users can choose Tools > Enter Flight Simulator.

And going by reports, while the simulator has airports covered fairly well, the aircraft selection seems in want of an overhaul. Besides, the simulator does not afford any view whatsoever of the aircraft...