Scenic Approaches (Part 3)

About this tour

This is a tour of 6,602 nm (12,226 km) divided into nineteen legs.

To complete this tour, you will need to fly at least one route of each of the legs listed below.

Scenic Approaches IIITour
Leg 1: EDDM - EINN
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This is a leg of 829 nm (1,536 km) from Munich International Airport (MUC/EDDM) (Hub) to Shannon Airport (SNN/EINN) .

Eligible routes

Choose any one of the routes below.

Flight Number Departure Time Arrival Time Duration Aircraft Models
DLH9921 07:00z 09:30z 2:30 A321

This is a leg of 1,294 nm (2,396 km) from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD/HAAB) (Hub) to Seychelles International Airport (SEZ/FSIA) .

Eligible routes

Choose any one of the routes below.

Flight Number Departure Time Arrival Time Duration Aircraft Models
ETH879 06:30z 10:20z 3:50 B38M B738
ETH883 20:15z 00:05z 3:50 B38M B738 B737

This is a leg of 138 nm (256 km) from Sheikh ul Alam Airport (SXR/VISR) to Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL/VILH) .

Eligible routes

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Flight Number Departure Time Arrival Time Duration Aircraft Models
AIC447 04:50z 05:45z 0:55 A20N

This is a leg of 316 nm (586 km) from Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM/SPJC) (Hub) to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ/SPZO) .

Eligible routes

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Flight Number Departure Time Arrival Time Duration Aircraft Models
AVA853 10:40z 12:00z 1:20 A320 A20N

This is a leg of 217 nm (401 km) from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU/ZUUU) (Hub) to Daocheng Yading Airport (DCY/ZUDC) .

Eligible routes

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Flight Number Departure Time Arrival Time Duration Aircraft Models
CCA4215 00:15z 01:25z 1:10 A319

It requires pilots to make a winding visual approach to avoid high profile buildings including The Pentagon and The White House. This serves for low and weaving turns close to the ground below. Similarly, when planes depart Reagan Airport they tend to make an immediate sharp turn just seconds after departure to avoid the Washington Monument and White House.

This is a leg of 531 nm (983 km) from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD/KORD) (Hub) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA/KDCA) .

Eligible routes

Choose any one of the routes below.

Flight Number Departure Time Arrival Time Duration Aircraft Models
UAL8140 19:21z 20:48z 1:27 B737
UAL8240 21:42z 23:05z 1:23 B737
UAL1010 13:00z 14:53z 1:53 A319 A320 A21N B38M
UAL2647 12:00z 13:58z 1:58 A319 B38M A320
UAL1755 21:00z 23:01z 2:01 A319 A21N
UAL1381 14:00z 15:57z 1:57 A319 A320
UAL1897 20:00z 22:01z 2:01 A319 A320
UAL1616 23:00z 01:05z 2:05 A21N A320
UAL2426 15:00z 16:57z 1:57 A21N A320
UAL1097 16:15z 18:11z 1:56 B38M B737 B738
UAL1144 00:35z 02:35z 2:00 B737 B738 B39M
UAL752 17:45z 19:41z 1:56 B737
UAL2640 19:00z 21:00z 2:00 B737 B738
UAL1077 11:00z 12:58z 1:58 B737

Due to the location next to the mountains as well as the narrow size of the runway, the landing is very complicated. Pilots are forced to make a dramatic sharp turn and land near the valley, and the experience is often compared to landing on an aircraft carrier.

This is a leg of 302 nm (559 km) from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO/MROC) (Hub) to Toncontín International Airport (TGU/MHTG) .

Eligible routes

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Flight Number Departure Time Arrival Time Duration Aircraft Models
CMP787 14:53z 16:10z 1:17 B39M B738

Sao Paulo's Congonhas airport is well known to pilots for its short runway and dangerous approach. It is located in a heavily built-up part of the huge city and gives you the impression that you are scraping the tops of high rise buildings as you land. The runways are also considered the most slippery in the world and have resulted in a large number of fatal crashes. No thank you!

This is a leg of 283 nm (525 km) from Tancredo Neves International Airport (CNF/SBCF) (Hub) to Congonhas Airport (CGH/SBSP) .

Eligible routes

Choose any one of the routes below.

Flight Number Departure Time Arrival Time Duration Aircraft Models
AZU6035 19:20z 20:45z 1:25 E195
AZU4743 16:20z 17:40z 1:20 E195
AZU5008 15:40z 17:00z 1:20 E195
AZU4462 21:10z 22:30z 1:20 E195
AZU2790 19:50z 21:10z 1:20 E195
AZU4207 19:05z 20:25z 1:20 E195 E295
AZU6044 14:30z 15:55z 1:25 E195
AZU4201 19:45z 21:05z 1:20 E195
AZU6503 16:45z 18:05z 1:20 E195 E295
AZU6041 12:30z 13:50z 1:20 E195
AZU4351 19:20z 20:40z 1:20 E195
AZU5008 16:40z 18:00z 1:20 E195
AZU2636 11:15z 12:40z 1:25 E195
AZU2979 21:30z 22:55z 1:25 E295
AZU4452 23:45z 01:05z 1:20 A20N
AZU4455 00:05z 01:25z 1:20 A20N

Pilots have to be specially skilled to fly into this busy airport that is surrounded by mountains and strong tailwinds blowing in from the west.

This is a leg of 388 nm (719 km) from San Francisco International Airport (SFO/KSFO) (Hub) to San Diego International Airport (SAN/KSAN) .

Eligible routes

Choose any one of the routes below.

Flight Number Departure Time Arrival Time Duration Aircraft Models
UAL1074 03:50z 05:30z 1:40 B739 B38M
UAL1434 23:49z 01:29z 1:40 B739 B39M
UAL475 05:35z 07:18z 1:43 B739 B38M
UAL1095 17:57z 19:41z 1:44 B38M B738
UAL1374 15:15z 16:51z 1:36 B39M B738 B739
UAL8123 20:45z 21:50z 1:05 B39M
UAL2041 20:10z 21:54z 1:44 B39M B38M B738
UAL2140 14:15z 15:51z 1:36 B39M B38M B738
UAL5336 14:34z 16:14z 1:40 E175
UAL1434 23:10z 00:50z 1:40 B38M
UAL8195 18:16z 19:21z 1:05 B38M
UAL2861 05:47z 07:30z 1:43 B38M
UAL2633 02:00z 03:40z 1:40 B738 B38M
UAL3912 20:00z 21:35z 1:35 B77W

Although not as visually terrifying as some of the other airports in this list, the hazards at LaGuardia Airport involve crowded airspace, bird wildlife and a runway that extends into the water.

This is a leg of 310 nm (574 km) from Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ/CYYZ) (Hub) to LaGuardia Airport (LGA/KLGA) .

Eligible routes

Choose any one of the routes below.

Flight Number Departure Time Arrival Time Duration Aircraft Models
ACA8996 22:25z 23:59z 1:34 E175
ACA8992 20:55z 22:31z 1:36 E175
ACA8994 21:25z 23:01z 1:36 E175 CRJ9
ACA8542 18:15z 19:51z 1:36 E175
ACA8990 17:20z 18:56z 1:36 E175 CRJ9
ACA8984 13:10z 14:46z 1:36 E175
ACA8982 10:15z 11:55z 1:40 E175
ACA8998 00:55z 02:31z 1:36 E175 CRJ9
ACA8540 11:40z 13:16z 1:36 CRJ9
ACA8988 15:25z 17:01z 1:36 CRJ9
ACA714 20:25z 22:01z 1:36 BCS3
ACA716 21:15z 22:51z 1:36 BCS3
ACA700 10:15z 11:51z 1:36 A319

Another scary airport in the U.S. is Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (elevation 7,800 feet) in the popular ski town of Aspen. Multiple crashes have happened due to ever-changing wind conditions, low visibility, and mountains on either side. It’s definitely one of the trickiest runways to land in the country.

This is a leg of 109 nm (202 km) from Denver International Airport (DEN/KDEN) (Hub) to Aspen-Pitkin Co/Sardy Field (ASE/KASE) .

Eligible routes

Choose any one of the routes below.

Flight Number Departure Time Arrival Time Duration Aircraft Models
UAL5779 01:00z 02:01z 1:01 E175
UAL5992 20:35z 23:49z 3:14 CRJ7
UAL5443 19:40z 22:01z 2:21 E175
UAL5455 20:15z 21:16z 1:01 E175
UAL5444 16:03z 17:04z 1:01 E175
UAL5842 18:30z 19:31z 1:01 E175
UAL5829 01:33z 04:00z 2:27 E175
UAL5775 23:27z 00:28z 1:01 E175
UAL5782 14:02z 14:59z 0:57 E175
UAL5771 19:40z 20:41z 1:01 E175
UAL5769 17:30z 18:31z 1:01 E175
UAL5773 21:45z 22:46z 1:01 E175
UAL5781 02:20z 03:16z 0:56 E175
UAL5917 23:05z 02:03z 2:58 CRJ7
UAL4757 01:20z 04:34z 3:14 CRJ7

Santos Dumont Airport is the second major airport serving Rio de Janeiro. The airport is one of three Brazilian airports subject to slot restrictions. The airport is restricted to 23 operations per hour and to narrow-body, military and general aviation aircraft only, due to short runway lengths (700 meters) and a difficult approach due to its proximity to the Sugar Loaf mountain.

This is a leg of 220 nm (407 km) from Viracopos International Airport (VCP/SBKP) (Hub) to Santos Dumont Airport (SDU/SBRJ) (Hub) .

Eligible routes

Choose any one of the routes below.

Flight Number Departure Time Arrival Time Duration Aircraft Models
AZU2797 09:05z 10:10z 1:05 E195
AZU2711 00:10z 01:15z 1:05 E195
AZU2711 23:25z 00:30z 1:05 E195
AZU2756 23:20z 00:25z 1:05 E195
AZU4204 18:05z 19:10z 1:05 E195
AZU4204 16:30z 17:35z 1:05 E195
AZU2917 22:20z 23:25z 1:05 E195
AZU2963 14:10z 15:15z 1:05 E195
AZU2963 15:00z 16:05z 1:05 E195
AZU4305 20:00z 21:05z 1:05 E195
AZU4305 21:30z 22:35z 1:05 E195
AZU5086 18:25z 19:30z 1:05 E195
AZU2924 11:10z 12:15z 1:05 E195
AZU2884 00:25z 01:25z 1:00 E195
AZU2978 12:35z 13:40z 1:05 E195

Another entry from New Zealand, Gisborne Airport is also considered to be one of the world's most difficult airports. Located on the outskirts of Gisborne, this airport actually has a railway intersecting its runway at one point. It has three grass runways and one main runway, landings require accurate coordination with approaching trains. For this reason, it is not uncommon for either planes or trains to be delayed to allow the other to safely pass.

This is a leg of 181 nm (335 km) from Auckland International Airport (AKL/NZAA) (Hub) to Gisborne Airport (GIS/NZGS) .

Eligible routes

Choose any one of the routes below.

Flight Number Departure Time Arrival Time Duration Aircraft Models
ANZ5167 00:50z 01:55z 1:05 DH8C
ANZ5161 07:15z 08:20z 1:05 DH8C
ANZ5167 01:50z 02:55z 1:05 DH8C
ANZ5165 22:50z 23:55z 1:05 DH8C
ANZ5171 03:30z 04:35z 1:05 DH8C
ANZ5169 00:20z 01:25z 1:05 DH8C
ANZ5163 20:40z 21:45z 1:05 DH8C
ANZ5161 07:15z 08:20z 1:05 DH8C
ANZ5163 19:40z 20:45z 1:05 DH8C
ANZ5161 06:15z 07:20z 1:05 DH8C
ANZ5163 20:40z 21:45z 1:05 DH8C
ANZ5165 21:50z 22:55z 1:05 DH8C
ANZ5171 02:30z 03:35z 1:05 DH8C
ANZ5169 23:20z 00:25z 1:05 DH8C
ANZ5167 01:50z 02:55z 1:05 DH8C
ANZ5165 22:50z 23:55z 1:05 DH8C
ANZ5171 03:30z 04:35z 1:05 DH8C
ANZ5169 00:20z 01:25z 1:05 DH8C

Heathrow airport may be a way outside London's city centre, but if you're flying in on the often-used eastern approach, you'll get a bird's eye view of the UK capital on the right-hand side as you swoop over its landmarks on final approach. You'll follow the Thames through central London, past Greenwich and Canary Wharf, over London Bridge and St Paul's, and finally past Buckingham Palace and the royal parks which surround it. You'll glimpse Wembley Stadium right before touchdown. Another, less used approach goes over Windsor -- although the best views for that are from the left.

This is a leg of 190 nm (351 km) from Brussels Airport (BRU/EBBR) (Hub) to London Heathrow Airport (LHR/EGLL) (Hub) .

Eligible routes

Choose any one of the routes below.

Flight Number Departure Time Arrival Time Duration Aircraft Models
BEL9901 18:40z 19:55z 1:15 A319
BEL9923 19:20z 20:35z 1:15 A20N
BEL2103 19:20z 20:35z 1:15 A20N
BEL2095 14:55z 16:05z 1:10 A20N A320 A319
BEL2093 07:50z 09:15z 1:25 A20N
BEL2105 18:40z 19:55z 1:15 A319

Rwanda is beautiful from the air, and the descent into capital Kigali shows off the country at its best. Crossing over from the Democratic Republic of Congo into Rwanda, you'll descend over lush green hills, speckled with houses and red streaks of the local earth roads - all backed up by mountains in the distance for added drama. On the right side, you should glimpse Lake Kivu, which acts as the border between Rwanda and the DCR, before descending over the hills.

This is a leg of 184 nm (341 km) from Entebbe International Airport (EBB/HUEN) to Kigali International Airport (KGL/HRYR) .

Eligible routes

Choose any one of the routes below.

Flight Number Departure Time Arrival Time Duration Aircraft Models
BEL473 22:55z 23:50z 0:55 A333

This is a leg of 266 nm (493 km) from Montreal / Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL/CYUL) (Hub) to Billy Bishop Toronto City Centre Airport (YTZ/CYTZ) .

Eligible routes

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Flight Number Departure Time Arrival Time Duration Aircraft Models
ACA7953 10:45z 12:07z 1:22 DH8D
ACA7965 17:25z 18:50z 1:25 DH8D
ACA7975 22:25z 23:50z 1:25 DH8D
ACA7969 19:25z 20:50z 1:25 DH8D
ACA7971 20:25z 21:50z 1:25 DH8D
ACA7721 19:42z 20:41z 0:59 DH8D
ACA7954 14:38z 15:40z 1:02 DH8D
ACA7959 14:25z 15:47z 1:22 DH8D
ACA7955 12:25z 13:47z 1:22 DH8D
ACA7979 00:10z 01:35z 1:25 DH8D

This is a leg of 231 nm (427 km) from Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND/RJTT) (Hub) to Kobe Airport (UKB/RJBE) (Hub) .

Eligible routes

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Flight Number Departure Time Arrival Time Duration Aircraft Models
ANA411 21:40z 22:50z 1:10 B738
SKY105 04:00z 05:15z 1:15 B738
SKY109 06:35z 07:50z 1:15 B738
SKY117 11:05z 12:20z 1:15 B738
SKY101 22:20z 23:35z 1:15 B738
SKY103 00:05z 01:20z 1:15 B738
SKY113 08:55z 10:10z 1:15 B738
ANA415 11:30z 12:45z 1:15 B763

Day or night, landing at LAX is impressive. Nearly 100 percent of the time, planes land from the east. This means a seat on the right side of the plane is your best bet to catch views of the San Gabriel mountains, the Los Angeles River, downtown L.A., the Hollywood sign, and Century City in the distance. On either side, however, you’ll be treated to views of seemingly endless sprawl before touching down among tall palm trees, neon lights, and at least one very large In-N-Out Burger. At night it’s especially incredible, as the freeways seem to flow like veins in a giant organism.

This is a leg of 205 nm (380 km) from Harry Reid International Airport (LAS/KLAS) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX/KLAX) (Hub) .

Eligible routes

Choose any one of the routes below.

Flight Number Departure Time Arrival Time Duration Aircraft Models
UAL5522 17:38z 19:00z 1:22 E175
UAL2726 13:00z 14:15z 1:15 B38M B738
UAL1591 17:38z 18:57z 1:19 B38M
UAL1631 02:11z 03:30z 1:19 B39M B738
UAL684 23:10z 00:29z 1:19 B739

This is a leg of 408 nm (755 km) from Denver International Airport (DEN/KDEN) (Hub) to Yellowstone Airport (WYS/KWYS) .

Eligible routes

Choose any one of the routes below.

Flight Number Departure Time Arrival Time Duration Aircraft Models
UAL5210 13:50z 15:30z 1:40 CRJ2