FlightGear is an open-source flight simulator. It supports a variety of popular platforms (Windows, Mac, Linux, etc.) and is developed by skilled volunteers from around the world. Source code for the entire project is available and licensed under the GNU General Public License.
The goal of the FlightGear project is to create a sophisticated and open flight simulator framework for use in research or academic environments, pilot training, as an industry engineering tool, for DIY-ers to pursue their favorite interesting flight simulation idea, and last but certainly not least as a fun, realistic, and challenging desktop flight simulator. We are developing a sophisticated, open simulation framework that can be expanded and improved upon by anyone interested in contributing.
There are many exciting possibilities for an open, free flight sim. We hope that this project will be interesting and useful to many people in many areas.
Founded in 1997, FlightGear is developed by a worldwide group of volunteers, brought together by a shared ambition to create the most realistic flight simulator possible that is free to use, modify and distribute. FlightGear is used all over the world by desktop flight simulator enthusiasts, for research in universities and for interactive exhibits in museums.
FlightGear features more than 400 aircraft, a worldwide scenery database, a multi-player environment, detailed sky modelling, a flexible and open aircraft modelling system, varied networking options, multiple display support, a powerful scripting language and an open architecture. Best of all, being open-source, the simulator is owned by the community and everyone is encouraged to contribute.
FlightGear 2016.2 Highlights
Major enhancements in this release
Video configuration can be saved.
The TerraSync server has been switched to using HTTP instead of SVN.
All scenery models have been cleaned up and moved to TerraSync.
ATIS and METAR
Various improvements in the reporting of wind, atmospheric pressure, and sky cover.
Custom ATIS formats for the US/Canada/Pacific region and the UK based on real recordings.
Bug fixes and data updates to reduce occurrence of NIL weather.
Atmospheric Light Scattering
Filters have been added, enabling infrared and night-vision views
ALS procedural lights
Environment Rendering
A bug that prevented precipitation from appearing has been fixed.
Birds
Multiplayer
A bug in the multiplayer protocol has been fixed.
Usability
Route manager now allows entry of a space separated list of waypoints.
Internationalization
The Italian translation for menus, loading messages and help for command line switches has been updated.
Scenery
Further improvements to regional textures.
New buildings for London Heathrow
New buildings for Barcelona (+30)
Nasal Scripting
A bug in math.clamp() has been fixed.
Highlighted new and improved aircraft
Parachutist
Piper J3 Cub
Boeing 757
Extra EA-500
Saab JA-37 Viggen
Cessna 182S Skylane
Space Shuttle
Boeing 757
Beagle Pup
Icaro Laminar 13 MRX (Weight-shift controlled hang glider)
Install FlightGear Linux Mint / Ubuntu Derivative System :
Because it is available via PPA, installing FlightGear on Ubuntu 16.04 Xenial Xerus, Ubuntu 15.10 Wily Werewolf, Ubuntu 15.04, Ubuntu 14.10 and derivative systems is easy. All you have to do is add the ppa to your system, update the local repository index and install the vlc package. Like this:
The source is available now. Binary packages are in the process of being built, and will appear soon at their respective download locations.