New Orleans (PG City)

The Flight Experience New Orleans ("The Big Easy") offers a flight experience defined almost entirely by water. Situated precariously between the massive Lake Pontchartrain to the north and the winding Mississippi River to the south, the city sits on incredibly flat terrain that is actually below sea level.

For virtual pilots, the airspace is a "tale of two airports." Airline captains will head into Louis Armstrong International (KMSY) in the west, maneuvering over the swamplands. However, the real gem for VFR flying is Lakefront Airport (KNEW). Built on a peninsula jutting out into the lake, it was the original art-deco hub of the city and offers a stunning approach where you transition from the open water directly to the city grid.

Visual Highlights

• Caesars Superdome: The massive white domed stadium is the anchor of the city. It is unmistakable from any altitude and serves as the perfect pivot point for banking turns over the Central Business District.

• Crescent City Connection: These dual cantilever bridges span the Mississippi River. Following the river at low altitude and flying under these bridges is a favorite "unofficial" challenge for sim pilots.

• Lake Pontchartrain Causeway: Visible for miles, this is the longest continuous bridge over water in the world (24 miles). It acts as a perfect visual "rail" guiding you straight into the city from the north shore.

• The French Quarter: In high-quality photogrammetry, you can distinguish the tighter, historic grid of the Vieux Carré from the surrounding modern sprawl, nestled right against the sharpest bend of the river.

Pilot’s Note: Fly the "River Run." Depart from KNEW, fly west to the river, and then follow the Mississippi downstream at 1,500ft. You will trace the famous "Crescent" curve of the city, passing the Port of New Orleans and the cruise ship terminals, before following the river all the way out to the Gulf of Mexico where the solid land simply dissolves into the marsh.