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→‎Getting started: cleanup and moved in engine start procedure from the FAQ
m (→‎Getting FlightGear: Mac too! plus a few typos)
(→‎Getting started: cleanup and moved in engine start procedure from the FAQ)
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== Getting started ==
== Installation and setup ==
=== 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 [[Fr/Hardware Recommendations|Hardware Recommendations]] for more information.
For FlightGear to run smoothly, it requires a video card with OpenGL drivers 2.0 or higher. This is usually not a problem, but take a look at [[Hardware Recommendations]] to have a better idea.


Many laptops with insufficient 3D hardware acceleration capabilities are known to have issues with running FlightGear. Since laptops are smaller, the graphics card(s) on them are usually lower-end. See [[notebooks known to run FlightGear]] for reviews of several laptop systems.
Many laptops are known to have issues with FlightGear, as the graphics card(s) on them are usually lower-end. See [[notebooks known to run FlightGear]] for reviews of several laptop systems.


=== Getting FlightGear ===
=== Getting FlightGear ===
You may download the latest files from [http://www.flightgear.org/download/ FlightGear Downloads] page. Choose the source or binary files appropriate for your particular system. Most Linux users will find that most distributions have a packaged version of FlightGear (the package name could be fgfs or flightgear.)
You may download the latest files from [http://www.flightgear.org/download/ FlightGear Downloads] page. Choose the source or binary files appropriate for your particular system. Most Linux users will find that most distributions have a packaged version of FlightGear (the package name could be <tt>fgfs</tt> or <tt>flightgear</tt>.)


Depending on your technical expertise you may choose the [[Git]] development version of FlightGear, which typically has more features and can be required by some of the latest developmental aircraft, but can be unstable and is more complicated to acquire and install. In general, the development version is not advised to the average user, but if you're willing to do some testing there's a nightly build for Windows or Mac available for download at the [[FlightGear Build Server]].
Depending on your technical expertise you may choose the [[Git]] development version of FlightGear, which typically has more features and can be required by some of the latest developmental aircraft, but can be unstable and is more complicated to get for non-Windows users. In general, the development version is not advised to the average user, but if you're willing to do some testing there's a nightly build for Windows or Mac available for download at the [[FlightGear Build Server]].


You may also order FlightGear on a set of DVDs, available at [http://www.flightgear.org/dvd/].
You may also order FlightGear on a set of DVDs, available at [http://www.flightgear.org/dvd/].
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=== Configuring OpenGL ===
=== Configuring OpenGL ===
FlightGear runs best with current [[OpenGL]] video drivers. If you are having trouble running FlightGear smoothly, see [[Graphics drivers configuration]] for more information.
FlightGear runs best with current [[OpenGL]] video drivers. If you are having trouble running FlightGear, see [[Graphics drivers configuration]] for more information.


=== Getting scenery ===
=== Getting scenery ===
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* '''Terrain''' represents the contours, elevations and type of ground you fly/taxi over.
* '''Terrain''' represents the contours, elevations and type of ground you fly/taxi over.


The current way of "installing" new scenery is using [[TerraSync]], which will automatically download and update any place you visit - even on the fly! However, some might have problems with that, so you can also manually download and install new scenery parts, either official, the [[World Scenery]], or custom.
The current way of "installing" new scenery is enabling [[TerraSync]], which will automatically download and update any place you visit - even on the fly! However, some might have problems with that, so you can also manually download and install new scenery parts, either official, the [[World Scenery]], or custom.


The official scenery is available at [http://www.flightgear.org/download/scenery/ the scenery download section] of the FlightGear website, and can be installed following [[Howto: Install scenery]]. You may obtain additional and more up to date scenery objects as they become available through the [http://scenemodels.flightgear.org/ FlightGear Scenery Database].
The official scenery is available at [http://www.flightgear.org/download/scenery/ the scenery download section] of the FlightGear website, and can be installed following [[Howto: Install scenery]]. You may obtain additional and more up to date scenery objects as they become available through the [http://scenemodels.flightgear.org/ FlightGear Scenery Database].


=== Getting aircraft ===
=== Getting aircraft ===
{{Main article|Howto: Install aircraft}}
To download additional [[aircraft]] for FlightGear individually, go to the FlightGear website and navigate to the [http://www.flightgear.org/download/ download page], then choose the aircraft download link that fits your FlightGear version. For the installation, see [[Howto: Install aircraft]].
To download additional [[aircraft]] for FlightGear individually, go to the FlightGear website and navigate to the [http://www.flightgear.org/download/ download page], then choose the aircraft download link that fits your FlightGear version.
 
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]]/Aircraft</tt>.


== Running FlightGear ==
=== 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).  
The easiest way to start FlightGear is a graphical interface like [[FlightGear Launch Control]] (aka FGRun). This is a frontend to the command line version.


To start FlightGear type on the command line:
Many users choose however to start FlightGear directly from the command line. The executable name is <tt>fgfs</tt> and can be run without options. If it's "not found", it is likely not in your [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PATH_(variable) path]. The location depends on your particular system and choices you made during compile and installation. There is a list of [[Command Line Parameters]] which must be used to change many options, like the aircraft you want. The most important:


  fgfs
  fgfs --show-aircraft        # displays a list of installed aircraft
fgfs --aircraft=c172p      # start FG with the aircraft "c172p" (from the list)


and hit enter. This will start FlightGear.
=== Using the keyboard and/or 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 for flying, yet even a cheap joystick would improve so much the experience.


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
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).


/usr/games/fgfs
Coming from an other simulator? Check [[key commands compared to other simulators]] for an overview of the difference between the key commands of that sim and FlightGear.


The location depends on your particular system and choices you made during compile and installation.
To use the mouse to fly the aircraft, right click (the cursor should change to a cross) and move the mouse to direct the aircraft. Right click again to look around (cursor should show a two sided arrow), click again to return to normal mode, used to click stuff in the cockpit.


It is important to understand when not using a graphical interface to start FlightGear, your interaction will be entirely from the command line. To see available aircraft, you specify an option on the command line. To specify an aircraft, an airport, multiplayer server, etc. you add an option to the command line when starting FlightGear. Please consult the list of [[Command Line Parameters]]. The parameters are also useful to those starting FlightGear from [[FlightGear Launch Control]] graphical interface, as it allows you to specify parameters.
=== First time in the cockpit ===
Finding your way around the cockpit can be daunting the first time.


=== Displaying available aircraft ===
Where is the "virtual cockpit?" Not all FlightGear aircraft come with an interior actually, some research projects may not even come with an exterior model. A 2D panel may display over the 3D cockpit if one exists. You may turn this off using the ''View'' menu. Otherwise, you should be sitting in the virtual cockpit when FlightGear starts, as long as the Cockpit View is selected ({{key press|Ctrl|V}}).
From the command line:


fgfs --show-aircraft
You may find it difficult to read some of the displays, dials and gauges on the instrument panel. You can use the ''view'' mode of the mouse (right click until you get a cursor shaped like a double arrow) to pan and the mousewheel to zoom, or pan with the joystick hat and zoom with {{key press|X}} and {{key press|Shift|X}}.


displays a list of available (installed) aircraft.
One of the first steps that many take on entering an unfamiliar cockpit is to press {{key press|Ctrl|C}} to highlight all the "hotspots", that is instrument's controls, buttons, knobs, etc. Many aircraft also offer a specific help menu.


=== Choosing an aircraft ===
Some functions, such as starter or magneto, may be difficult to use or simply lack clickable "hotspots", especially in aircraft models in development. In most cases you can go for the equivalent controls on a 2D panel or resort to the keyboard. The keyboard always work according to the assignments listed on the ''Help'' menu, but sometimes these are reassigned by an aircraft or configuration. Again, remember to check all the help dialogs.
From the command line:


fgfs --aircraft=foo
=== Starting the engine ===
You're eager to fly, but the engine's off. Well, turning on the engines is not always easy. Some aircraft have an ''autostart'' entry in their custom menu, but here's a general procedure that should work in many cases.


where foo is the name of the aircraft's <tt>*-set.xml</tt> file (eg. for the c172p this is <tt><u>c172p</u>-set.xml</tt>, so the command is <tt>--aircraft=c172p</tt>). See also [[Command Line Parameters]]. The following commands gives a list of available aircraft:
==== Starting engine in single-engine aircraft ====
In general to start the engine on a piston-engine type aircraft, you need:


  fgfs --show-aircraft
# Fuel - You can run out of fuel, of course, but for certain aircraft, FlightGear may load it with no fuel, making it impossible to start the engines. Check this in the menu <tt>Equipment > Fuel and Payload</tt>.
# Correct mixture (generally "rich", ie red knob all the way in)
# Magnetos on (R, L, or both--generally select "both")
# Throttle (some engines start better with a little gas)
# Hold starter for sufficient time.


=== Online multiplayer flying ===
You may be able to do all these functions with the standard 2D panel or your aircraft's built-in panel. However using the standard key bindings is more reliable:
{{Main article|Howto: Multiplayer}}
# Press/hold "m" to set mixture to rich (m=rich, M=lean--if you are at a very high elevation you may need to set it somewhere besides full rich)
# Press "}}}" (three times) to set magneto to R, L, and finally Both.
# Open throttle a little.
# Press "s" to run the starter. For some aircraft you may have to hold "s" as long as 10 seconds before the engine starts.


=== Using the keyboard and/or mouse ===
These instructions may not work for jet aircraft, helicopters, or other types of aircraft with complex start procedures. Check the instructions in the aircraft help menu (Press "?") and/or at [[Aircraft|the aircraft's wiki]].
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 for flying. Adjustments (like throttle, instruments etc.) may be made with the keyboard.


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 list displaying what each key does will display.
In general to start the engine on a jet engine type aircraft, you need to:
# Set cutoff ON
# Engage the starter
# Once the engines spools up to approximately 5% N1, set cutoff OFF
# Disengage the starter once the engine has reached operational speed


Coming from an other simulator? Check [[key commands compared to other simulators]] for an overview of the difference between the key commands of that sim and FlightGear.
==== Starting engine in multi-engine aircraft ====
 
Starting all engines in a multi-engine aircraft is similar to the single engine--except you must follow the same start sequence for each and every engine.  Flightgear provides a convenient way to do this for all engines at once.
To use the mouse to fly the aircraft, right click (the cursor should change to a cross) and move the mouse to direct the aircraft. Right click again to look around (cursor should show a two sided arrow), click again to return to normal mode.
 
=== First time in the cockpit ===
Finding your way around the cockpit can be daunting the first time.


Where is the 'virtual cockpit?' Not all FlightGear aircraft come with an interior, including a virtual cockpit. (Due to FlightGear being used by various research projects, some aircraft may not even come with an exterior model. Remember, FlightGear is very flexible.) A 2D panel may display over the 3d cockpit if one exists. You may turn this off using the View menu. Otherwise, you should be sitting in the virtual cockpit when FlightGear starts, as long as the Cockpit View is selected.
Note that the default 2-D panel is connected to ''only one engine''. So if you try to start the engines using the 2-D panel controls you will most likely start only one engine.


You may find it difficult to read some of the displays, dials and gauges on the instrument panel. Use the Zoom keys to zoom in on an instrument. The 'x' and Shift-X keys control eyepoint zoom in the Cockpit View. Use the joystick hat (or other controller assigned to this function) to pan the eyepoint to the instrument you wish to read. Then zoom in.
Instead, use the keyboard to start all engines at once:
# Press "~" (select all engines)
# Press/hold "m" to set mixture to rich (m=rich, M=lean--if you are at a very high elevation you may need to set the mixture somewhere besides full rich)
# Press "}}}" (three times) to set magnetos to R, L, and finally "Both".
# Open throttle a little (it now controls all engines).
# Press "s" to run the starter (it now runs the starter on all engines). For some aircraft you may have to hold "s" as long as 10 seconds before the engine starts.
# Rev the engines a little with your throttle and check your tachometers and/or visually to be sure all engines are running.


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.
If the engines won't start, make sure you have fuel. Some aircraft have switches to control which fuel tanks feed which engines, so check these. Make sure each engine you want to start is connected to a tank that has fuel. Check fuel tanks in the menu <tt>Equipment > Fuel and Payload</tt>.


'''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.
These instructions may not work for jet aircraft, helicopters, or other types of aircraft with complex start procedures. Check the instructions in the aircraft help menu (Press "?") and/or at [[Aircraft|the aircraft's wiki]].


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.
=== Online multiplayer flying ===
FlightGear has some multiplayer servers that will let you fly in more lively skies, see [[Howto: Multiplayer]]. There is also [[OpenRadar]], a standalone feature that will let you be an [[Air traffic control|air traffic controller]].


Many aircraft offer a help menu specific to that aircraft on the Aircraft Help menu (go to Help, then Aircraft Help.
There's also a [[MPMap|multiplayer map]] that lets you see who's online right now.


== Making your first flight ==
== Making your first flight ==
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