FAQ
Wide

This page contains FAQ specific to FlightGear Mac OS X. Visit http://www.flightgear.org/Docs/FAQ.shtml for general FlightGear FAQ.

What is FlightGear Mac OS X?

FlightGear Mac OS X is a Mac OS X port of FlightGear, a multi-platform open-source flight simulator. Visit the official webise of FlightGear for more information about it.

I have a problem in using FlightGear Mac OS X. What can I do?

You can read Troubleshooting to find a solution for your problem. If it doesn't help you, visit Help and Open Discussion forum and post your problem. When you post a question to the forum, make sure you're providing the following things:

  • Type of your Mac (e.g. Core 2 Duo MacBook Pro 2.33GHz)
  • Mac OS version (e.g. 10.4.8 or 10.3.9)
  • Exact version and filename of FlightGear Mac OS X (e.g. 0.9.10 (FlightGear-0.9.10-full.dmg))
  • Your problem
  • Error messages (from /Applications/Utilities/Console.app) if available.

It is not recommended to post your problem or questions as a comment on this website because it may take a while to get a response.

On what version of Mac OS does FlightGear run?

FlightGear Mac OS X 0.9.10 runs on either Mac OS 10.4.x (Tiger) or 10.4.5 (Leopard) as of Dec-10-2007. Unfortunately, it doesn't run on Mac OS 10.3.x (Panther) or earlier. The reasons are:

  • FlightGear Mac OS X uses some functions and libraries that are available only on Mac OS 10.4 or higher,
  • I don't have Mac OS 10.3.9 or earlier anymore :-p

I guess FlightGear itself can be built with less effort. You can use Xcode 2.4.x (on Mac OS 10.4) to build FlightGear Mac OS X for 10.3.x. I'm very happy to have your feedback on building FlightGear Mac OS X for 10.3.x.

FlightGear Mac OS X 0.9.11 or the latest development version (CVS/Head) runs on Mac OS 10.4.x or higher.

What joysticks are supported on Mac OS X?

I'm sure you can use the following joysticks since I have these:

  • Logitech Extreme 3D Pro
  • Saitek X52 Flight Control System (you need to install configuration file for 0.9.10 - available from here)
  • WingMan FORMULA Force GP (racing wheel with pedal) - you can use this as a cheap rudder pedal (also available from here)

According to configuration files included in FlightGear 0.9.10, you might be able to use the following USB joysticks:

  • CH Flight Sim Yoke
  • MacALLY USB Joystick
  • Microsoft Microsoft SideWinder Precision Pro
  • Microsoft SideWinder Force Feedback Pro
  • Microsoft SideWinder Precision 2 Joystick
  • Logitech WingMan Force 3D
  • Logitech Extreme 3D
  • Logitech WingMan Extreme Digital 3D
  • Saitek Cyborg Evo
  • Saitek Cyborg 3D
  • Saitek ST290 Pro
  • Saitek Saitek X45 Flight Control System
  • ThrustMaster Top Gun AfterBurner
  • ThrustMaster Top Gun Fox 2 Pro

I don't guarantee anything about joysticks above, so use it at your own risk. I won't pay even if one don't work.

I found a bug on FlightGear Mac OS X. how can I report it?

You make a bug report with Bug Tracker. Plesase post a crash log and/or error messages you got. Crash logs are available at:

  • $HOME/Library/Logs/CrashReporter/fgfs.crash.log (FlightGear itself)
  • $HOME/Library/Logs/CrashReporter/FlightGear.crash.log (Launcher)

Do not post the entire log. only the last one at the end of a file is what you need. Error messages are avaiable from Console.app (/Applications/Utilities/Console.app)

How can I build FlightGear Mac OS X myself?

Visit How to build FlightGear 0.9.10 on Mac OS X or How to build FlightGear cvs on Mac OS X.

How can I make a contribution to the FlightGear Mac OS X project?

You can contribute in many ways including:

  • helping other users in the discussion forum
  • your feedback
  • tips and documents on this website (You need to sign up. I'll make a user account for you)
  • building the latest release of FlightGear Mac OS X on Panther or earlier
  • building FlightGear CVS for the next release
  • developing FlightGear Mac OS X with us

Unfortunately, this project has actually only one maintainer so the capability of user support is lacking. I really appreciate your contributing us by helping other users on either the forum or on this website.

How can I make a donation?

Click the "Support this project" button. You can also visit this page to make a donation. Thank you for supporting us.