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== Getting Started ==
== Getting Started ==
=== Hardware Requirements ===
=== Hardware Requirements ===
 
For FlightGear to run smoothly, it requires a video card with OpenGL drivers.  OpenGL 2.0 or higher is required for FlightGear 2.0 and later. Most modern PCs support OpenGL, but if you are having trouble with slow frame-rates, see [[Hardware Recommendations]] for more information.
For FlightGear to run smoothly, it requires a video card with OpenGL drivers.  OpenGL 1.2 is required, and OpenGL 2.0 is preferred. Most modern PCs support OpenGL, but if you are having trouble with slow frame-rates, see [[Hardware Recommendations]] for more information.


=== Getting FlightGear ===
=== Getting FlightGear ===
 
You may download the latest files from [http://www.flightgear.org/Downloads/ FlightGear Downloads] page. Choose the source or binary files appropriate for your particular system. Or, depending on level technical expertise you may choose the [[CVS]] version if you wish to work with a development version of FlightGear. The CVS version typically has more features and can be required by the some the latest developmental aircraft, but can be unstable and is more complicated to acquire and install.
You may download the latest files from [http://www.flightgear.org/Downloads/ FlightGear Downloads] page. Choose the source or binary files appropriate for your particular system. Or, depending on level technical expertise you may choose the CVS version if you wish to work with a development version of FlightGear. The CVS version typically has more features and can be required by the some the latest developmental aircraft, but can be unstable and is more complicated to acquire and install.


=== Installing on Windows ===
=== Installing on Windows ===
After installing FlightGear on Windows a dialog box appears to define file locations.


After installing [[FlightGear#Version_1.9.0_.282008.29| Flightgear v1.9.0]] on windows a dialog box appears to define file locations.
The first line asks for FlightGear Executable. Use the browse button to navigate to the location of fgfs.exe (in the default setup that is <tt>C:\Program Files\FlightGear\bin\win32\fgfs.exe</tt>).
 
The first line asks for Flight Gear Executable. Use the browse button to navigate to the location of fgfs.exe.  (In the default setup that is 'c:\Program Files\FlightGear\bin\win32\fgfs.exe')


The second line asks for Flight Gear Root. Use the browse button to navigate to the Data directory or enter the location of the 'data' directory. (n the defualt setup that is 'c:\Program Files\FlightGear\data')
The second line asks for [[$FG_ROOT|FlightGear Root]]. Use the browse button to navigate to the <tt>data/</tt> directory or enter the location of the 'data' directory (in the defualt setup that is <tt>C:\Program Files\FlightGear\data</tt>). This will populate the scenery box as well.
This will populate the scenery box as well.


Once you have defined these default settings, continue the installation as explained below.
Once you have defined these default settings, continue the installation as explained below.


=== Installing on Mac OS X ===
====Installing on Mac OS X ===
 
Installing [[FlightGear Mac OS X|FlightGear on Mac OS X]] is very simple. Just drag and drop the FlightGear icon to the <tt>/Applications</tt> folder. That's it. The first time you launch FlightGear, its icon on the Dock bounces for several seconds while loading aircraft and airport info. When the GUI launcher appears, select an aircraft and and airport by clicking the "Gear" buttons at the right of the names. Pressing "Start flight" will launch the simulator. You can configure more options using the GUI launcher. see http://macflightgear.sourceforge.net/home/documents/users-guide/ for more details.
Installing [[FlightGear Mac OS X|FlightGear on Mac OS X]] is very simple. Just drag and drop the FlightGear icon to /Applications folder. That's it. The first time you launch FlightGear, its icon on the Dock bounces for several seconds while loading aircraft and airport info. When the GUI launcher appears, select an aircraft and and airport by clicking the "Gear" buttons at the right of the names. Pressing "Start flight" will launch the simulator. You can configure more options using the GUI launcher. see http://macflightgear.sourceforge.net/home/documents/users-guide/ for more details.


If you want to launch flightgear using command-line, launch /Applications/Utilities/Terminal.app and type the following.
If you want to launch flightgear using command-line, launch <tt>/Applications/Utilities/Terminal.app</tt> and type the following.


  cd /Applications/FlightGear.app/Contents/Resources
  cd /Applications/FlightGear.app/Contents/Resources
  ./fgfs --options.....  
  ./fgfs --options.....  


The $FG_ROOT and $FG_SCENERY are not set on Mac OS X. If you want to specify these variables yourself for command-line use, run the followings on Terminal.app:
The [[$FG_ROOT]] and [[$FG_SCENERY]] are not set on Mac OS X. If you want to specify these variables yourself for command-line use, run the followings on Terminal.app:


  FG_ROOT=/Applications/FlightGear.app/Contents/Resources/data
  FG_ROOT=/Applications/FlightGear.app/Contents/Resources/data
  FG_SCENERY=$FG_ROOT/Scenery
  FG_SCENERY=$FG_ROOT/Scenery


After launching the GUI launcher, you will have the alias to $FG_ROOT at $HOME/Documents/Flightgear/<version> so you can browse the data folder using Finder.
After launching the GUI launcher, you will have the alias to [[$FG_ROOT]] at $HOME/Documents/Flightgear/<version> so you can browse the data folder using Finder.


=== Configuring OpenGL ===
=== Configuring OpenGL ===
 
FlightGear runs best with current [[OpenGL]] video drivers.  If you are having trouble running FlightGear smoothly, see [[Configuring OpenGL]] for more information.
FlightGear runs best with current OpenGL video drivers.  If you are having trouble running FlightGear smoothly, see [[Configuring OpenGL]] for more information.


=== Getting Scenery ===
=== Getting Scenery ===
 
A limited set of [[scenery]] comes installed with FlightGear, which consists of the area surrounding [[San Francisco International Airport|KSFO]].
A limited set of [[scenery]] comes installed with [[FlightGear]], which consists of the area surrounding [[San Francisco International Airport|KSFO]].


In FlightGear, scenery is divided into two kinds of data: Objects and Terrain. Objects are the buildings, bridges and radio towers, etc. that represent three-dimensional structures. Terrain represents the contours, elevations and type of ground you fly over.
In FlightGear, scenery is divided into two kinds of data: Objects and Terrain. Objects are the buildings, bridges and radio towers, etc. that represent three-dimensional structures. Terrain represents the contours, elevations and type of ground you fly over.
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The scenery packages available from the FlightGear website contain both Objects and Terrain for the locations.
The scenery packages available from the FlightGear website contain both Objects and Terrain for the locations.


You may obtain additional and more up to date scenery Objects as they become available through the [http://fgfsdb.stockill.org/ FlightGear Scenery Database].
You may obtain additional and more up to date scenery Objects as they become available through the [http://scenemodels.flightgear.org/ FlightGear Scenery Database].


Information beyond this brief overview is available in [[Installing Scenery]] and [[Downloading New Flightgear Scenery for Windows XP]]
Information beyond this brief overview is available in [[Installing Scenery]] and [[Downloading New Flightgear Scenery for Windows XP]]


=== Getting Aircraft ===
=== Getting Aircraft ===
To download additional [[Aircraft]] for FlightGear individually, go to the FlightGear website and navigate to the [http://www.flightgear.org/Downloads/ Downloads] page, then choose [Aircraft Downloads http://www.flightgear.org/Downloads/aircraft/index.shtml].  A (possibly temporary) archive of all aircraft available as of 8/14/2006 is at: [FGaircraft_20060814.zip http://139.78.95.188/flightgear/FGaircraft_20060814.zip] (about 108 MB).
To download additional [[aircraft]] for FlightGear individually, go to the FlightGear website and navigate to the [http://www.flightgear.org/Downloads/ Downloads] page, then choose [Aircraft Downloads http://flightgear.org/Downloads/aircraft-2.0.0/].
 
Once the aircraft package has downloaded, decompress and extract the archived files onto your computer. You may extract to a temporary directory and move them, or extract directly into the Aircraft directory in FlightGear. This is typically


/path/to/flight/gear/data/Aircraft
Once the aircraft package has downloaded, decompress and extract the archived files onto your computer. You may extract to a temporary directory and move them, or extract directly into the Aircraft directory in FlightGear. This is typically <tt>[[$FG_ROOT]]/data/Aircraft</tt>.


See also [[Installing Aircraft]] for more documentation.
See also [[Installing Aircraft]] for more documentation.


=== Starting FlightGear ===
=== Starting FlightGear ===
Many users choose to start FlightGear from the command line ("console" or "shell" as it is known to Unix users). Alternatively some use graphical interfaces such as [[FlightGear Launch Control|Fgrun]] (FlightGear Launch Control).  
Many users choose to start FlightGear from the command line ("console" or "shell" as it is known to Unix users). Alternatively some use graphical interfaces such as [[FlightGear Launch Control|Fgrun]] (FlightGear Launch Control).  


To start FlightGear type on the command line:
To start FlightGear type on the command line:


fgfs
fgfs


and hit enter. This will start FlightGear.
and hit enter. This will start FlightGear.
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If FlightGear fails to start, it is likely the compiled FlightGear binary software is not in your path. If you know Unix, you may add the location of the binary to your path and try starting again. Otherwise, you may find the location of the 'fgfs' binary and enter an absolute path to it like
If FlightGear fails to start, it is likely the compiled FlightGear binary software is not in your path. If you know Unix, you may add the location of the binary to your path and try starting again. Otherwise, you may find the location of the 'fgfs' binary and enter an absolute path to it like


/usr/games/fgfs
/usr/games/fgfs


The location depends on your particular system and choices you made during compile and installation.
The location depends on your particular system and choices you made during compile and installation.
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=== Displaying Available Aircraft ===
=== Displaying Available Aircraft ===
From the command line:
From the command line:


  fgfs --show-aircraft
  fgfs --show-aircraft


displays a list of available (installed) aircraft. (see also [[FlightGear 1.9.0]] and/or [[Table of models]])
displays a list of available (installed) aircraft.


=== Choosing an Aircraft ===
=== Choosing an Aircraft ===
From the command line:
From the command line:


  fgfs --aircraft=foo
  fgfs --aircraft=foo


where foo is the name of the folder the aircraft files live in. See also [[FlightGear 1.0 aircraft names for command line]]  and/or  [[Command Line Parameters]])
where foo is the name of the folder the aircraft files live in. See also [[Command Line Parameters]].
 
 


=== Online Multiplayer Flying ===
=== Online Multiplayer Flying ===
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=== Using the Keyboard and Mouse ===
=== Using the Keyboard and Mouse ===
Users with limited access to a [[joystick]] or other controllers sometimes use the keyboard or mouse to control their aircraft. Using the keyboard to fly can be difficult and the mouse is recommended over the keyboard. Other adjustments may be made with the keyboard.


Users with limited access to a joystick or other controllers sometimes use the keyboard or mouse to control their aircraft. Using the keyboard to fly can be difficult and the mouse is recommended over the keyboard. Other adjustments may be made with the keyboard.
To get help with keyboard commands, with FlightGear running, go to the Help [[Menubar|menu]], look under Basic Keys (for simulator related commands) and Common Aircraft Keys (for commands universal to all aircraft) and Aircraft Help for key commands specific to your aircraft. A chart displaying what each key does will display.
 
To get help with keyboard commands, with FlightGear running, go to the Help menu, look under Basic Keys (for simulator related commands) and Common Aircraft Keys (for commands universal to all aircraft) and Aircraft Help for key commands specific to your aircraft. A chart displaying what each key does will display.


To use the mouse to fly the aircraft, right click and move the mouse to direct the aircraft, right click again to look around, click again to return to normal.
To use the mouse to fly the aircraft, right click and move the mouse to direct the aircraft, right click again to look around, click again to return to normal.


=== First Time In the Cockpit ===
=== First Time In the Cockpit ===
Finding your way around the cockpit can be daunting the first time.
Finding your way around the cockpit can be daunting the first time.


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Alternate Method: Click the right mouse button until you get a cursor with two arrows (like this <=>). You can now move your view around the cockpit. Press 'x' and Shift-X to zoom in and out.
Alternate Method: Click the right mouse button until you get a cursor with two arrows (like this <=>). You can now move your view around the cockpit. Press 'x' and Shift-X to zoom in and out.


Note: Some functions, such as starter or magneto, may be difficult to use or lack "hotspots" to control with your mouse. Especially when flying an aircraft model that is still undergoing development. In this case, look for equivalent controls on a 2D panel or resort to the keyboard. The keyboard controls always work according to the assignments listed on the Help Menu (unless reassigned by an aircraft or configuration). Go to the main window menu, click Help, then click Basic Keys or Common Aircraft Keys.
'''Note:''' Some functions, such as starter or magneto, may be difficult to use or lack "hotspots" to control with your mouse. Especially when flying an aircraft model that is still undergoing development. In this case, look for equivalent controls on a 2D panel or resort to the keyboard. The keyboard controls always work according to the assignments listed on the Help Menu (unless reassigned by an aircraft or configuration). Go to the main window menu, click Help, then click Basic Keys or Common Aircraft Keys.


One of the first steps I take on entering an unfamiliar cockpit is to press Ctrl-C to highlight all the "hotspots" on the 3d cockpit instrument panel. This enables you to easily see where to place the mouse to operate an instrument's controls, buttons, knobs, etc.
One of the first steps I take on entering an unfamiliar cockpit is to press Ctrl-C to highlight all the "hotspots" on the 3d cockpit instrument panel. This enables you to easily see where to place the mouse to operate an instrument's controls, buttons, knobs, etc.


Many aircraft offer a help menu specific to that aircraft on the Aircraft Help menu (go to Help, then Aircraft Help.
Many aircraft offer a help menu specific to that aircraft on the Aircraft Help menu (go to Help, then Aircraft Help.


== Making the First Flight ==
== Making the First Flight ==
 
One of the most frequent questions novice pilots ask about any flight sim, but more so to FlightGear, is "why is my aircraft turning left all the time?" Although it could be due to wind gusts crossing the runway, it is more likely due to the increased realism FlightGear provides. In a certain other flight simulator, some settings are turned down to make the aircraft easier to fly. This reduces effects such as propeller torque and p-factor, which may be the cause of the tendency to turn to the left (to figure out which effect, you may read more in [[Understanding Propeller Torque and P-Factor ]]).
One of the most frequent questions novice pilots ask about any flight sim, but more so to FlightGear, is "why is my aircraft turning left all the time?" Although it could be due to wind gusts crossing the runway, it is more likely due to the increased realism FlightGear provides. In a certain other flight simulator, some settings are turned down to make the aircraft easier to fly. This reduces effects such as propeller torque and p-factor, which may be the cause of the tendency to turn to the left (to figure out which effect, you may read more in [[ Understanding Propeller Torque and P-Factor ]]).


Despite marketing slogans to the contrary, some flight simulators are aimed at a casual game player market, and ship with their "realism" turned down. The realism is always turned up in FlightGear.
Despite marketing slogans to the contrary, some flight simulators are aimed at a casual game player market, and ship with their "realism" turned down. The realism is always turned up in FlightGear.
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* "Left Turning Syndrome" for the previously mentioned reasons.
* "Left Turning Syndrome" for the previously mentioned reasons.
* Compass Turning Error: A compass, when subjected to the forces of flight, tends to turn in the opposite direction for a brief period before settling on the correct heading. This is not a malfunction.
* Compass Turning Error: A compass, when subjected to the forces of flight, tends to turn in the opposite direction for a brief period before settling on the correct heading. This is not a malfunction.
* The Vertical Speed Indicator is also subject to error.
* The Vertical Speed Indicator is also subject to error.
* The Horizontal Situation Indicator is driven by a gyroscope (that is why it's sometimes called a Directional Gyroscope), which is subject to a phenomenon called gyro drift. For a number of reasons, the gyro will drift from its current heading and must be periodically (about every 15 minutes) calibrated to agree with the magnetic compass heading.
* The Horizontal Situation Indicator is driven by a gyroscope (that is why it's sometimes called a Directional Gyroscope), which is subject to a phenomenon called gyro drift. For a number of reasons, the gyro will drift from its current heading and must be periodically (about every 15 minutes) calibrated to agree with the magnetic compass heading.


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=== Flying Using Navigational Aids and the Autopilot ===
=== Flying Using Navigational Aids and the Autopilot ===
To make this very clear for new users: Some aircraft require you to use the autopilot available from the Autopilot menu, which is the original FlightGear autopilot. This is a '''generic''' autopilot and as such, many aircraft come with their own '''specific''' autopilot, frequently a model of the real life one. '''For aircraft that provide their own autopilot in the cockpit, you must use the autopilot controls available in the virtual cockpit'''. This means clicking on the instrument panel in the virtual cockpit. The Autopilot menu will be grayed out and unavailable when the aircraft supplies its own autopilot (generally).
To make this very clear for new users: Some aircraft require you to use the autopilot available from the Autopilot menu, which is the original FlightGear autopilot. This is a '''generic''' autopilot and as such, many aircraft come with their own '''specific''' autopilot, frequently a model of the real life one. '''For aircraft that provide their own autopilot in the cockpit, you must use the autopilot controls available in the virtual cockpit'''. This means clicking on the instrument panel in the virtual cockpit. The Autopilot menu will be grayed out and unavailable when the aircraft supplies its own autopilot (generally).


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=== Airports and Navigation Aids ===
=== Airports and Navigation Aids ===
When you first start FlightGear, whether from the command line or the graphical interface, you may wonder how to determine what airports are available. Fgrun displays a list of airports, but you will not see details such as Tower or ILS frequencies. You will not find a map showing VORs and their frequencies. Short of finding an actual sectional map for the area you wish to fly, what can you do?
When you first start FlightGear, whether from the command line or the graphical interface, you may wonder how to determine what airports are available. Fgrun displays a list of airports, but you will not see details such as Tower or ILS frequencies. You will not find a map showing VORs and their frequencies. Short of finding an actual sectional map for the area you wish to fly, what can you do?


[http://maps.google.com Google Maps] and The FlightGear Online Map for multiplayers are both good resources as well as the FlightGear Community Flight Planner.
[http://maps.google.com Google Maps] and the [[MPMap|FlightGear Online Map for multiplayers]] are both good resources as well as the FlightGear [http://fgfs.i-net.hu/modules/fgplanner/ Community Flight Planner].


== Getting Help ==
== Getting Help ==


=== Chat ===
=== Chat ===
 
The quickest way to get help with FlightGear is to join in the chat room [[FlightGear IRC channel]].
The quickest way to get help with Flight Gear is to join in the chat room [[FlightGear IRC channel]].


=== Email Discussion Group ===
=== Email Discussion Group ===
 
The documentation for FlightGear is sketchy and undergoing constant change as new features are developed. This makes chat the best place to find answers to problems getting FlightGear to run.
The documentation for Flight Gear is sketchy and undergoing constant change as new features are developed. This makes chat the best place to find answers to problems getting FlightGear to run.


=== Documents ===
=== Documents ===
 
The ways for users to get help with FlightGear are:
The ways for _users_ to get help with FlightGear are:


* Documents bundled with the release package.
* Documents bundled with the release package.
* FlightGear IRC channel.
* [http://flightgear.org/forums FlightGear Forum]
* FlightGear users mailing list.
* [[FlightGear IRC channel]]
* [[Malinglists|FlightGear users mailing list]].


== Getting More Detailed Information ==
== Getting More Detailed Information ==
This page is designed to give the user the essential things they need to know about using FG for the first time.
This page is designed to give the user the essential things they need to know about using FG for the first time.


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=== I do not want to compile FlightGear, what can I do? ===
=== I do not want to compile FlightGear, what can I do? ===
 
[http://www.flightgear.org/Downloads/ Our website] offers precompiled binaries for download and install on a variety of systems. Current platforms are Windows, Linux, Solaris, SGI, Mac OSX and FreeBSD. These are offered as a convienence and availablility may vary at times.
 
http://www.flightgear.org/Downloads/
 
offers precompiled binaries for download and install on a variety of systems. Current platforms are Windows, Linux, Solaris, SGI, Mac OSX and FreeBSD. These are offered as a convienence and availablility may vary at times.


Note: FlightGear is highly configurable through editable [[XML]] files. You are free, and encouraged to, make changes to aircraft flight models and any other feature you wish to change for your personal satisfaction or to share with other FlightGear users. The flight model is not defined in a binary file. It is easy to modify (given enough knowledge). Although the install is binary, most of FlightGear's system is open to configuration through XML files and [[NASAL scripting]].
Note: FlightGear is highly configurable through editable [[XML]] files. You are free, and encouraged to, make changes to aircraft flight models and any other feature you wish to change for your personal satisfaction or to share with other FlightGear users. The flight model is not defined in a binary file. It is easy to modify (given enough knowledge). Although the install is binary, most of FlightGear's system is open to configuration through XML files and [[NASAL scripting]].


=== Does FlightGear come with a printed manual? ===
=== Does FlightGear come with a printed manual? ===
You are invited to read "[[The Manual]]" online as [http://www.flightgear.org/Docs/getstart/getstart.html HTML]
You are invited to read "[[The Manual]]" online as [http://www.flightgear.org/Docs/getstart/getstart.html HTML]
or download a [http://mapserver.flightgear.org/getstart.pdf PDF] for viewing with Acrobar Reader or printing.
or download a [http://mapserver.flightgear.org/getstart.pdf PDF] for viewing with Acrobar Reader or printing.
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* Help new users with downloading, compiling, installing and running FlightGear (http://www.flightgear.org/forums or on IRC)
* Help new users with downloading, compiling, installing and running FlightGear (http://www.flightgear.org/forums or on IRC)
* Provide Ideas & Suggestions, see: [[Feature Requests / Proposals / Ideas]]
* Provide Ideas & Suggestions, see: [[Feature Requests / Proposals / Ideas]]
* help clean up this wiki
* Help clean up this wiki
* help provide new contents for missing wiki pages
* Help provide new contents for missing wiki pages


=== Development ===
=== Development ===
Retrieved from "https://wiki.flightgear.org/Special:MobileDiff/20572"

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