The best free flight simulators on the Internet

microsoft flight

The flight simulators are nothing new; They have been available since the end of the seventies of the last century. Today's games with HD graphics, real-world maps, and intuitive controls are quite complex and require advanced machines to play. Those newer titles with realistic controls and 3D graphics aren't exactly cheap. However, there are several flight simulators on the Internet that are free and also of quite good quality that offer endless hours of enjoyment in the virtual skies. Here are some of the best.

1) FlightGear

The last update is from February of this year 2013, but the video game dates from 1997. FlightGear stands out especially for its wide variety of customization possibilities and for its advanced settings. It is open source and allows developers to test their own aircraft. It is one of the most demanding in terms of system requirements, and works with Windows and Mac OS X. You start by flying with a Cessna 172 by default, although you can choose other aircraft in a virtual hangar such as an A6M20 XZero, a Boeing 777 or a Zeppelin NT07, among others. The flight controls are really complete.

flightgear

2) Microsoft Flight

It is a fairly accessible simulator suitable for Windows. It focuses more on fun than realism. The user can complete various pre-loaded goal fulfillment missions, which are intended to teach the rudiments of piloting. At Microsoft Flight there are only two aircraft to choose from: a Boeing PT-17 and an iCon A5. In the free mode of the game, various flight conditions can be modified, such as the season, time of day and weather.

3) YSFlight

It hasn't changed much since its inception in 1999, and visually it is quite modest. However, it is a very reliable flight simulator. At YSFlight there are over forty aircraft to choose from, including an Apache helicopter. The maps are also quite varied. It is easy to customize, and the user can fly in various types of formations. Windows and Mac OS X versions can be downloaded. The controls are compatible with a joystick, apart from the usual mouse and keyboard.

ysflight

4) Google Earth F light Simulator

Many functions of Google's geographic information service are practically hidden, as is the case with its flight simulator. Works with Windows, Mac OS X, and Chrome. You can choose between an F-16 fighter or a Cirrus SR22. Google Earth Flight Simulator is not very realistic, for example, there is no ambient sound, no autopilot. The maneuvers are quite basic, since the user can practically only control the altitude and speed. However, it offers spectacular views thanks to satellite images, including buildings in three dimensions. The user can fly above his house, and explore the planet and the solar system with his mouse and keyboard.

5) Vega Strike

This game is open source and available for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux. It uses 3D OpenGL for its graphics. It is not a typical flight simulator, because it is based on space. Vega Strike is geared more towards the game than the simulation. The player starts out piloting a space freighter and then works his way up in his career. You can even become a bounty hunter and go into business.