Clearwater, FL, U.S.A (Gulf Coast Beach Region)

The Flight Experience

Clearwater offers a quintessentially relaxed yet procedurally challenging Gulf Coast flight experience, defined by its massive white-sand beaches, the vast expanse of Tampa Bay, and its intricate network of waterways. The city sits on the flat Florida coastal plain, separated from the mainland by the Intracoastal Waterway. The scenery, benefiting from enhancements in World Update X (USA), vividly captures the distinct geography of the barrier islands, the bright blue-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and the dense beachside development, making it a beautiful location for coastal VFR touring.

St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (KPIE)

KPIE is a major regional airport serving the greater Tampa Bay area, located close to the city of St. Petersburg.

• The Strip: KPIE operates two parallel runways: 17L/35R and 17R/35L (both over 7,000 feet long), capable of handling mainline jet traffic, particularly the heavy volume of Allegiant and charter flights.

• The Challenge: Congested Airspace: The primary challenge here is airspace awareness. KPIE is situated in the middle of one of Florida's most complex airspaces, sandwiched between Tampa International (KTPA) and MacDill AFB. Sim pilots must be highly proficient in following complex vectors and communicating rapidly to navigate safely within the crowded control environment.

Visual Highlights

• Clearwater Beach and Pier 60: This is the city's absolute visual anchor. The wide, famously white-sand beach and the distinct structure of Pier 60 are unmissable, marking the westernmost point of the city's development.

• The Intracoastal Waterway: This massive, continuous man-made channel separates the barrier islands from the mainland peninsula. It serves as the ultimate, clear, parallel VFR guide for any coastal flight.

• The Clearwater Memorial Causeway Bridge: This distinct, high bridge connects the mainland urban area to the Clearwater Beach barrier island. Its structure provides a clear, vital navigational reference over the water.

• Gulf of Mexico: The vast, clear, blue-green expanse of the Gulf defines the western boundary. Its open water provides a stunning visual contrast to the dense, structured development of the shoreline.

• The Barrier Islands: The long, thin islands that run parallel to the coast (like Sand Key and Clearwater Beach) create a unique geographical pattern, with high-rise condos lining the seaward side.

Pilot’s Note: The "Barrier Island Run"

For a flight that maximizes the region's unique coastal geography, take a light GA aircraft (like a C172 or DA62) and plan a scenic VFR run.

The Maneuver: Depart KPIE and fly west toward the coast, picking up the Intracoastal Waterway. Execute a controlled, low-altitude pass (around 1,000 feet) that tracks the barrier islands south toward St. Petersburg, keeping the beautiful beaches to your right and the calm waters of the Intracoastal to your left. This requires maintaining precise heading to stay over the islands and out of the busy KSPG (St. Petersburg downtown) airspace, rewarding you with an intimate view of Florida's west coast architecture and waterways.