Baltimore, MD, U.S.A (PG City)

The Flight Experience Baltimore, known as "Charm City," offers a distinctively gritty, industrial, and maritime flying experience. Unlike the federal grandeur of nearby Washington D.C., Baltimore is defined by its working waterfront. In the simulator, the photogrammetry (updated in World Update II: USA) captures the dense row-house architecture and the sprawling port facilities of the Patapsco River. It is a city of brick and steel, transitioning from the historic Fells Point to the modern skyline of the Inner Harbor. The airspace here is busy, sitting snugly under the complex Class Bravo umbrella of the Washington-Baltimore region, requiring precise navigation to avoid violating airspace restrictions to the south.

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (KBWI) KBWI is a major hub (a fortress for Southwest Airlines) located about 9 miles south of the downtown core.

• The Strip: The airport features a complex layout with intersecting runways. The primary commercial runway is 33L/15R (10,500ft), capable of handling heavy metal.

• The Challenge: The approach to Runway 33L is a favorite among virtual pilots. It requires a long final approach that drags you low over the suburbs of Glen Burnie. Conversely, the crosswind runway (10/28) often sees varied use during strong coastal storms.

• GA Alternative: For a more historical challenge, try Martin State Airport (KMTN) to the east. It is the home of the A-10 Warthogs and features a runway that ends abruptly at the water's edge, demanding distinct speed control.

Visual Highlights

• The Inner Harbor: This is the visual anchor of the city. The U-shaped configuration of the waterfront is unmistakable. Look for the Baltimore World Trade Center—the world's tallest pentagonal building—standing right at the water's edge.

• Fort McHenry: Situated at the tip of the locust point peninsula, this star-shaped fort is best known as the birthplace of the U.S. national anthem. From 1,500ft, the geometric star shape is perfectly rendered and serves as the gatekeeper between the Patapsco River and the Northwest Harbor.

• The Stadium Complex: Just south of the city center, the massive M&T Bank Stadium (Ravens) and the retro-classic Oriole Park at Camden Yards (Orioles) sit side-by-side. Their open-air designs look fantastic in 3D, and the surrounding parking lots provide a flat, high-contrast visual reference against the urban density.

• Domino Sugar Factory: Across the harbor from the business district, look for the large industrial complex with the iconic "Domino Sugars" neon sign. It is a legendary waypoint for VFR traffic navigating the harbor.

• The Row Houses: While not a single landmark, the endless grids of flat-roofed, brick row houses in North and East Baltimore create a unique texture in the photogrammetry that is distinct to this city, contrasting sharply with the leafy suburbs further out.

Pilot’s Note: The "Star-Spangled" Route For a short but scenic hop, depart Martin State (KMTN) Runway 15. Stay low (1,200ft) and follow the coastline west. You will pass over the heavy industry of the Sparrows Point area before entering the Patapsco River mouth. Fly directly over Fort McHenry, then bank right to execute a tight orbit over the Inner Harbor to see the stadiums. The Exit: Instead of landing back at Martin, contact Potomac Approach and request a transition to KBWI. Fly south, picking up the ILS for Runway 33L for a professional airliner-style arrival into the major hub.