With the growing variety of Internet browsers, operating systems (including multiple versions) and layers of security software we have on our computers, it should be no surprise the flights I've presented here don't work on every platform. Surprising, no ... frustrating, yes.

Probably the best way to do this is tell you what works for me. I'm using Windows XP and Internet Explorer 8 and have no problems. I've been unable to view the flights using the Mozilla Firefox browser and I haven't tried the Google Chrome browser. If that works for you, please let me know.

In creating the flight window and the accompanying commentary, I've had to presume a particular screen size - I don't have the option of setting the viewing window to a percentage of the computer video card's resolution potential. So, if you have a wide, high-resolution screen, sorry - I've set this up for viewing at 1024x768.

If you've downloaded Google Earth before, you may already have the Google Earth Plug-in installed. The plug-in allows you to view Google Earth content without downloading the raw data files and having to set flight parameters. If you're unsure if the plug-in is installed, go to the Google Earth website and download the Google Earth Plug-in onto your computer. It's quick and easy. (For more information on installing and uninstalling the plug-in, click here).

Flying is almost automatic. An image of Earth will display. Just click the PLAY button on the control bar in the lower left corner of the image and the flight begins. It will continue until completion along the route I've defined without you doing anything more.

But suppose you missed something and you'd like to go back. Just push the PAUSE button, then the REVERSE button.

What if you're getting bored? Hit the FAST FORWARD button to double your speed. Hit it again to double it again.

I've intentionally set some flights at a slow speed so it will be easier to observe details on the ground. The downside is the flights can last a long time. By using the FAST FORWARD feature, you can speed up to a more reasonable pace until you see something worth more scrutiny.

Also, there is a slider on the control bar - you can grab the slider button with your mouse and quickly move your location along the flight path. That's handy if you have to quit mid-way and want to resume the flight without starting over. Note the time code to the right of the slider bar - that tells you how many minutes and seconds you are into the flight. That time code is linked to the accompanying commentary.

If at any time during the flight the control bar disappears, just hover your mouse over that area of the image and it will return.

The flight window also gives you access to the Google Earth navigation tools, shown on the upper-right portion of the image. They let you pivot around your current location, circle around a point, change your viewing angle versus the horizon, move forward, backward, side-to-side and zoom in and out. You will need to pause the flight to take advantage of them. No matter how far your exploring takes you, just hitting the PLAY button will cause the flight to resume at the point you paused. I'll let you figure out how those navigation tools work on your own -- with a little practice it's very intuitive.

Please let me know of any problems you encounter -- I'll do my best to address them.