Free open-source multi-platform flight simulator FlightGear 2019.1 was finally released today. Here’s how to install it in Ubuntu 18.04 and higher.

FlightGear 2019.1 release highlights:

• METAR interpretation: Change CAVOK visibility to 9999.0 metres
• Add the ability to control the turbine engines spin down factor
• Add the ability to set up the starter and acceleration times of a turbine
• Yasim ground friction (stiction) changes
• fgcommands “add-aiobject” and “remove-aiobject” for adding/removing objects to the AI subsystem.
• Support for DDS Texture Cache
• New experimental Compositor rendering framework
• Some Boeing 777 update, and other more.

How to Install FlightGear in Ubuntu:

FlightGear is available in Ubuntu Software by default, but always old. To get the most recent version, you can:

• either install or upgrade FlightGear via PPA repository.
• or install the Flatpak package (runs in sandbox).

NOTE: Both PPA repository and Flatpak package are not updated at the moment. The new release packages will be available in a few days.

1. To add the PPA, open terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) and run command:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:saiarcot895/flightgear

Then you’ll be able to either upgrade FlightGear through Software Updater,

or install the simulator via command:

sudo apt update && sudo apt install flightgear

(Optional) You can remove the PPA either via the first step command with --remove added in the end, or by going to “Software & Updates -> Other Software” tab.

2. FlightGear Flatpak package is available in Flathub repository, where also contains how to install instructions.

FlightGear 2018.3 was finally released with many exciting new features, enhancements and bugfixes including usability improvements to the launcher, better visuals for AI and MP aircraft.

FlightGear 2018.3 release highlight according to the changelog:

• Flightplan loading within the launcher.
• Chinese, Russian and Italian translations for the launcher and UI
• Improved support for the state of the aircraft depending on starting location
• Improved joystick configuration and binding options.
• Multiple Levels of Detail (LoD) for MP and AI aircraft. To improve performance, low-detail models are used when the viewer is far from the MP aircraft.
• Fallback models to display in the case where a viewer does not have the MP aircraft installed.
• Many improvements to AI models including new liveries, timetabled movements
• Support for retrieving Canvas images over HTTP.
• Improved cloud rendering with stronger Mie scattering on cloud fringes, improved scattering on cirrus clouds
• Improved scenery for Hawaii, the default location for this release.
• New scenery for Jan Mayen, situated northeast of Iceland. Including the active volcano of Beerenberg (2277m).
• FG1000 glass panel display, based on the Garmin G1000
• Improved Replay handling of AI aircraft and carriers – judge your own carrier landings.
• KC-130 tanker aircraft for air-to-air refueling
• Significant Aircraft updates

Download / Install FlightGear in Ubuntu:

For Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 18.04, and higher, FlighGear 2018.3 will be available to install either via Ubuntu PPA, or Flathub repository (run in sandbox).

The open-source flight simulator FlightGear 2018.1 now is available for download.

Changes in FlightGear 2018.1 “Honolulu” include:

• Improved “Classic theme” with better fonts and colours
• Canvas MapStructure support for SlippyMaps, including VFRCharts, STAMEN,
• Various improvements to the Launcher
• Atmospheric Light Scattering renderer: extra volumetric vegetation layers for denser undergrowth
• Active Volcanos, including Kilauea, Stromboli, Etna,
• CH Products Throttle Quadrant supported out-of-the-box.
• Improved support for add-ons
• And many other changes

Download / Install FlightGear 2018.1:

Source tarball, Windows and Mac OS packages are available for download at the link below:

For Ubuntu Linux, there’s a PPA repository (check the link before doing following steps) and the new release packages should be available in few days.

1. To add the PPA repository, open terminal either via Ctrl+Alt+T or by searching for ‘terminal’ from app launcher. When it opens, run command:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:saiarcot895/flightgear

Input your password (no visual feedback while typing due to security reason) and hit Enter.

2. Then you can upgrade FlightGear via Software Updater (may not work on Ubuntu 16.04 due to version system change) once it’s published in the PPA repository.

Or install it for the first time via commands:

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install flightgear

Uninstall:

To uninstall FlightGear, simply run following command in terminal:

sudo apt-get remove --autoremove flightgear

And remove the PPA by launching “Software & Updates” utility and navigating to Other Software tab.