13,208
edits
New to FlightGear: Difference between revisions
Copy editing and some corrections up to #Starting the engine
(→Getting scenery: Update for 2020: 1). scenery included in base package, 2). link suggested scenery page, 3). mention OS2MCity output downloads. Feel free to fix/review for clarity.) |
(Copy editing and some corrections up to #Starting the engine) |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
'''Welcome to [[FlightGear]]!''' Here we | '''Welcome to [[FlightGear]]!''' Here we will try to get you up in the virtual air in the shortest time possible. We will also introduce you to some of the features of this flight simulator and also a few information on its community. | ||
== Installation and setup == | == Installation and setup == | ||
=== Hardware requirements === | === Hardware requirements === | ||
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 [[ | 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 the [[hardware recommendations]] to have a better idea. | ||
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. | 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 | You may download the latest files from the [http://www.flightgear.org/download/ FlightGear download] 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 <code>fgfs</code> or <code>flightgear</code>.) | ||
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 | 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 are willing to do some testing there is a nightly build for Windows or Mac available for download from the [[FlightGear build server]], and a Ubuntu PPA updated daily. If you are using a Git version controlled copy of FlightGear, you may choose to synchronise your aircraft using the version controlled [[FGAddon|FGAddon aircraft development repository]]. | ||
You may also order FlightGear on a set of DVDs, available on the [http://www.flightgear.org/dvd/ FlightGear main site]. | You may also order FlightGear on a set of DVDs, available on the [http://www.flightgear.org/dvd/ FlightGear main site]. | ||
| Line 17: | Line 17: | ||
After you downloaded the installer, Run it and follow its instructions to install FlightGear. | After you downloaded the installer, Run it and follow its instructions to install FlightGear. | ||
FlightGear is thought by some antivirus software to have a virus. If that happens you could temporarily disable your antivirus during installation. | |||
With the Windows installer, you may choose where to install FlightGear. The [[$FG ROOT]] directory would be <code><your chosen directory>/data</code>. | |||
With the Windows installer, you may choose where to install FlightGear. The | |||
=== Installing on Mac OS X === | === Installing on Mac OS X === | ||
Installing [[FlightGear Mac OS X|FlightGear on Mac OS X]] is very simple. Just drag and drop the FlightGear icon to the < | Installing [[FlightGear Mac OS X|FlightGear on Mac OS X]] is very simple. Just drag and drop the FlightGear icon to the <code>/Applications</code> folder. That is it. | ||
The first time you launch FlightGear, its icon on the Dock bounces for several seconds while loading aircraft and airport info. When the GUI launcher appears, select an aircraft and and airport by clicking the "Gear" buttons at the right of the names. Pressing "Start flight" will launch the simulator. You can configure more options using the GUI launcher. | The first time you launch FlightGear, its icon on the Dock bounces for several seconds while loading aircraft and airport info. When the GUI launcher appears, select an aircraft and and airport by clicking the "Gear" buttons at the right of the names. Pressing "Start flight" will launch the simulator. You can configure more options using the GUI launcher. See the [http://macflightgear.sourceforge.net/home/documents/users-guide/ Users Guide]<!-- This link is pretty much dead. There is a page, but no content. /Johan G, October 14, 2020 --> for more details. | ||
If you | If you would like to launch FlightGear using command-line, launch <code>/Applications/Utilities/Terminal.app</code> and type the following. | ||
cd /Applications/FlightGear.app/Contents/Resources | cd /Applications/FlightGear.app/Contents/Resources | ||
| Line 37: | Line 36: | ||
FG_SCENERY=[[$FG_ROOT]]/Scenery | FG_SCENERY=[[$FG_ROOT]]/Scenery | ||
After launching the GUI launcher, you will have the alias to [[$FG ROOT]] at < | After launching the GUI launcher, you will have the alias to [[$FG ROOT]] at <code>$HOME/Documents/Flightgear/<version></code> so you can browse the data folder using Finder. | ||
Note: Once you have installed FlightGear, | Note: Once you have installed FlightGear, Mac users can locate their [[$FG_ROOT]] folder by opening their applications folder in Finder, right clicking on FlightGear, and clicking "Show Package Contents". This will take you inside the FlightGear folder. You are now able to access all files including Data/Aircraft to [[Howto: Install aircraft#Macintosh OS X|install new aircraft]]. | ||
=== Configuring OpenGL === | === Configuring OpenGL === | ||
| Line 45: | Line 44: | ||
=== Getting scenery === | === Getting scenery === | ||
A limited set of [[scenery]] comes installed with FlightGear. | A limited set of [[scenery]] comes installed with FlightGear. For FlightGear 2020.2 LTS this consists of | ||
* The area surrounding the featured airport for the release which is [[Keflavik_Airport|Keflavik International Airport]] (BIKF) | |||
* The tutorial airport for the [[Cessna_172P|Cessna 172P]] which is [[Hilo_International_Airport|Hilo International Airport]] (PHTO) | |||
In FlightGear, scenery is generally stored in you [[$ | In FlightGear, scenery is generally stored in you [[$FG ROOT]] directory, and is divided into three kinds of data: | ||
* '''Airports''' holds airport data, like runway usage and parking spots. | * '''Airports''' holds airport data, like runway usage and parking spots. | ||
* '''Objects''' and '''Models''' are the buildings, bridges and radio towers, etc. that represent three-dimensional structures. | * '''Objects''' and '''Models''' are the buildings, bridges and radio towers, etc. that represent three-dimensional structures. | ||
* '''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 enabling [[TerraSync]], which will automatically download and update any place you visit - even on the fly! | The current way of "installing" new scenery is enabling [[TerraSync]], which will automatically download and update any place you visit - even on the fly! If you have a slow Internet connection and/or computer you could instead use a scenery manager, for example [[TerraMaster]]. In addition you can also manually download and install new scenery parts, either the official [[World Scenery]] or custom scenery. | ||
The official, although outdated, 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]. '''This is recommended for users with weak internet connections or weak computers!''' | The official, although outdated, 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]. '''This is recommended for users with weak internet connections or weak computers!''' | ||
Custom | Custom scenery is available in many places. For example, on the {{forum link|f=5|text=FlightGear forum}} or within repositories. An internet search should be able to find them. See [[Suggested_custom_scenery|suggested custom scenery]] page for a few recent releases. | ||
Downloads of 3 dimensional buildings, roads, and objects based on | Downloads of 3 dimensional buildings, roads, and objects based on OpenStreetMap data for regions or entire countries is available on the [[Areas populated with osm2city scenery|osm2City downloads]] wiki page. | ||
=== Getting aircraft === | === Getting aircraft === | ||
Additional [[aircraft]] can be downloaded and installed through the launcher. Alternatively, you can 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]]. | Additional [[aircraft]] can be downloaded and installed through the launcher. Alternatively, you can 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. In addition there are many third party [[hangars]]. For the installation, see [[Howto: Install aircraft]]. | ||
== Running FlightGear == | == Running FlightGear == | ||
=== Starting FlightGear === | === Starting FlightGear === | ||
The easiest way to start FlightGear is to use the desktop icon | The easiest way to start FlightGear is to use the desktop icon. This starts the graphical interface [[FlightGear Qt launcher]] where you can choose aircraft, start position etc.<!-- The following reminder should probably be removed once the launcher makes it clear there is further things to take care of using in-sim menus to get FG set up --> Remember the Qt launcher only has basic options to get you started. A lot of options for graphics, scenery, [[Weather|weather]], [https://www.flightgear.org/tours/simulating-the-ever-changing-scenery/ environment], [[Input_device|input devices]] etc. are available from the menu inside the simulator. | ||
Many users choose however to start FlightGear directly from the command line. The executable name is < | Many users choose however to start FlightGear directly from the command line. The executable name is <code>fgfs</code> and can be run without options. If it is "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 --launcher # opens the FlightGear Qt launcher | fgfs --launcher # opens the FlightGear Qt launcher | ||
| Line 73: | Line 74: | ||
fgfs --aircraft=c172p # start FG with the aircraft "c172p" (from the list) | fgfs --aircraft=c172p # start FG with the aircraft "c172p" (from the list) | ||
The Qt launcher also lets users add command line parameters for options that are normally changed from the menu inside the simulator, as well as quite advanced options that are only available from the command line as of August 2020. | The Qt launcher also lets users add command line parameters for options that are normally changed from the menu inside the simulator, as well as quite advanced options that are only available from the command line (as of August 2020). | ||
=== Using the keyboard and/or mouse === | === 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 the experience so much. | 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 the experience so much. | ||
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). | 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). If the main menu is hidded press {{key press|F10}}. | ||
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 and the [[ | 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 and the [[Category:Menubar|FlightGear dialogs and menu bar]]. | ||
To use the mouse to fly the aircraft, press | To use the mouse to fly the aircraft, press {{key press|Tab}} (the cursor should change to a cross) and move the mouse to direct the aircraft. Press {{key press|Tab}} again to look around (cursor should show a two sided arrow), and press {{key press|Tab}} again to return to normal mode, used to click stuff in the cockpit. In some aircraft, such as the [[A320neo]] and [[Airbus A330 (disambiguation)|A330]] this unfortunately will not work, so you will have to use right click to look around and mouse mode is disabled. Fortunately, those planes are airliners, which are really stable and easy to fly with the keyboard. | ||
=== 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. | ||
Where is the "virtual cockpit? | 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 through ''Main Menu'' > ''View'' > ''View Options'' and deselecting ''Show 2D panel'' in the ''Display Options'' section, or by pressing {{key press|Shift|P}}. Otherwise, you should be sitting in the virtual cockpit when FlightGear starts, as long as the Cockpit View is selected (if not pressing {{key press|Ctrl|V}} should get you to the pilot view). | ||
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 | 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 mouse wheel to zoom, or pan with the joystick hat and zoom with {{key press|X}} and {{key press|Shift|X}}. | ||
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 | 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 controls, buttons, knobs, etc. Many aircraft also offer a specific help menu. | ||
Some functions, such as starter or magneto, may be difficult to use or simply lack clickable "hotspots", especially in aircraft models which are 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. | Some functions, such as starter or magneto, may be difficult to use or simply lack clickable "hotspots", especially in aircraft models which are 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. | ||