There is a hidden surprise in the latest version of Google Earth in the form of a flight simulator. To enter the flight simulator mode, press Ctrl + Alt + A (Command + Option + A on the Mac). Make sure that the main Google Earth window is active. Once you have entered flight simulator mode for the first time, you can re-enter the mode by choosing Tools > Enter Flight Simulator. To leave flight simulator mode, click Exit Flight Simulator in the top right corner or press Ctrl + Alt + A (Command+ Option + A on the Mac).
You can choose between a jet or plane. I would recommend the plane first. It goes slower and is easier to maneuver than the jet. Google has posted a web page with the various keyboard controls that are available. I crashed a few times before getting the hang of things. The controls are sensitive. This is a flight simulator, not a flying game. It is not as forgiving. It does work with joysticks.
Here is a video of someone flying over San Francisco and under the Golden Gate Bridge: