How To Fly Planes in GTA 5: Complete Guide

Flying planes in GTA 5 opens up a whole new way to experience the game’s massive open world, offering freedom to explore Los Santos and Blaine County from above. Unlike helicopters, airplanes use fixed wings, giving them faster speed and smoother handling once you master the controls. GTA 5 includes everything from small stunt planes and private jets to massive cargo aircraft and military fighters, each with unique flight characteristics.

Learning to fly requires a bit of practice, as the controls differ significantly from driving cars or piloting helicopters. Whether you want to dominate the skies in GTA Online or simply enjoy casual flights across the map, understanding how planes handle, take off, and land safely will make a big difference. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about flying planes in GTA 5, from basic controls to advanced flying tips that help you master every aircraft type in the game.

How To Fly Helicopters In GTA 5

Helicopters in GTA 5 have a completely different control system compared to planes or ground vehicles, and learning how to fly them properly is essential if you want to travel smoothly across Los Santos. The controls vary depending on whether you use a keyboard or a controller, but once you get used to them, flying helicopters becomes one of the easiest ways to move around the map.

1. Keyboard

Press F to enter the helicopter.
Press W to ascend (go up) – this increases your altitude but doesn’t move you forward.
Press S to descend (go down) – this lowers your altitude but doesn’t move you backward.
Press Numpad 8 to pitch forward and move the helicopter forward.
Press Numpad 5 to pitch backward and move backward.
Press A to turn left and D to turn right.
Press Numpad 4 to roll left (strafe left) and Numpad 6 to roll right (strafe right).
If you don’t have a numpad, hold the left mouse button and move your mouse in the direction you want to go.

2. Controller

Use the right trigger (RT on Xbox / R2 on PlayStation) to ascend.
Use the left trigger (LT on Xbox / L2 on PlayStation) to descend.
Use the left stick to control direction and movement.
Use the right stick to adjust pitch and rotation.
Push the left stick forward to tilt the helicopter forward and begin moving.
Pull the left stick back to slow down or move backward.

It’s best to start practicing helicopter controls in wide-open spaces before flying through the city. Helicopters are slower than planes but far more stable, making them perfect for precise landings, missions, and quick escapes once you get comfortable with their handling.

How To Fly Planes In GTA 5

Flying planes in GTA 5 is one of the fastest ways to explore San Andreas, offering an exciting experience once you master the controls. Taking off is easy, but smooth landings take a bit of practice. Most players find flying with a controller more comfortable since it offers better precision compared to the sensitive keyboard inputs.

1. Keyboard

Press F to enter the plane.
Hold W to accelerate and gain speed on the runway.
Hold Numpad 5 to raise the plane’s nose for takeoff.
Press G to retract the landing gear once you’re airborne.
Use W, A, S, and D to steer and control direction.
Use Numpad 4 and Numpad 6 to roll left or right, and Numpad 8 and Numpad 5 to pitch up or down.
If your keyboard doesn’t have a numpad, hold the left mouse button and move your mouse in the desired direction.

2. Controller

Use RT (Xbox) or R2 (PlayStation) to accelerate.
Use LT (Xbox) or L2 (PlayStation) to brake or reverse.
Control pitch and roll with the left stick.
Use LB/RB (L1/R1) to yaw left and right.
On Xbox, press Y to raise the nose and A to lower it. On PlayStation, use Triangle to lift and X to lower.
Press L3/LS to raise or lower the landing gear.

3. Special Aircraft (Hydra & VTOL Jets)

The Hydra and other VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) jets can switch between hover and flight modes. Previously, this was done by pressing E, but after the Mercenaries update, you now hold the G key (landing gear) to switch modes.
On controllers, press Right on the D-Pad to toggle between modes. Hover mode acts similarly to a helicopter, perfect for precise movements, while flight mode allows high-speed travel across the map.

Learning to fly planes in GTA 5 becomes second nature with practice. Start on long runways like Los Santos International Airport before attempting stunts or tight landings. Once you master takeoff, control, and landing, flying becomes one of the most enjoyable ways to travel and complete missions in GTA Online.

Conclusion

Flying planes in GTA 5 adds a whole new layer of freedom and excitement to the game. Whether you’re exploring the skies of Los Santos, performing stunts, or using aircraft for missions, mastering takeoff, control, and landing makes a huge difference. The controls may feel challenging at first, especially on keyboard, but with practice, flying becomes second nature. Using a controller can make the experience smoother, giving you more precise control in both planes and helicopters. Once you get comfortable with the mechanics, the skies of San Andreas open up endless opportunities for travel, exploration, and fun in both GTA 5 and GTA Online.