Open Skies

How to play Open Skies

Flight simulator with real aircraft: from the Piper Cub to the 747 and F-16. Real masses, wing areas and engines drive the physics — real stall speeds, climb rates and ceilings emerge. Fly free, race the ring course, or grease a landing.

New pilots: choose Free Flight, Assisted and the Cessna 172, then follow the flight coach on screen. Throttle up and roll down the runway; at take-off speed (the coach tells you) pull back gently to lift off. In Assisted mode you can let go at any time: the wings level themselves, the plane holds a gentle climb and it will not stall. Ring Run: fly through 12 rings against the clock (an arrow points to the next one). Landing Challenge: you start on approach; descend slowly, flare just above the runway and brake. Realistic mode removes the aids for a 25% score bonus.

Controls

↑ ↓ / left stick

Pitch: ↑ climbs (on a stick, pull back to climb)

← → / left stick

Bank to turn (steer on the ground)

W S / RT LT / mouse wheel

Throttle

Hold left mouse + drag

Fly with the mouse (drag up to climb)

A D / LB RB

Rudder

F G B / A X B

Flaps, gear, brakes

C / Y

Camera

H

Show or hide the flight coach

Esc / Start

Pause (restart or menu from there)

Touch: drag left side, THR slider

Fly and throttle on touch screens

🎮 Gamepads work too. Remap the buttons in your account settings.