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.
Map
Leg 1: EDDM - EINN
ExpandThis 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.
Leg 2: HAAB - FSIA
ExpandThis 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.
Leg 3: VISR - VILH
ExpandThis 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
Choose any one of the routes below.
Leg 4: SPJC - SPZO
ExpandThis 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
Choose any one of the routes below.
Leg 5: ZUUU - ZUDC
ExpandThis is a leg of 217 nm (401 km) from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU/ZUUU) (Hub) to Daocheng Yading Airport (DCY/ZUDC) .
Eligible routes
Choose any one of the routes below.
Leg 6: KORD - KDCA
ExpandIt 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 |
---|---|---|---|---|
UAL2734 | 00:45z | 02:40z | 1:55 | B738 B737 |
UAL1139 | 12:50z | 14:44z | 1:54 | A319 |
UAL3624 | 16:10z | 18:07z | 1:57 | E175 |
UAL1097 | 16:10z | 18:02z | 1:52 | A320 B738 |
UAL439 | 17:45z | 19:37z | 1:52 | A320 |
UAL2631 | 21:05z | 23:00z | 1:55 | A319 |
UAL1373 | 14:30z | 16:26z | 1:56 | A319 A320 |
UAL2659 | 20:05z | 22:00z | 1:55 | A320 |
UAL265 | 11:30z | 13:25z | 1:55 | A320 |
UAL5362 | 13:00z | 14:59z | 1:59 | E175 |
UAL1836 | 23:05z | 01:00z | 1:55 | A320 |
UAL2640 | 19:05z | 21:00z | 1:55 | A320 |
Leg 7: MROC - MHTG
ExpandDue 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
Choose any one of the routes below.
Leg 8: SBCF - SBSP
ExpandSao 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 |
---|---|---|---|---|
AZU2636 | 11:20z | 12:40z | 1:20 | E295 E195 |
AZU6503 | 16:45z | 18:05z | 1:20 | E195 |
AZU6044 | 14:45z | 16:10z | 1:25 | E195 |
AZU6041 | 12:55z | 14:15z | 1:20 | E195 |
AZU4461 | 13:25z | 14:50z | 1:25 | E195 |
AZU4462 | 21:10z | 22:30z | 1:20 | E195 |
AZU4201 | 20:30z | 21:50z | 1:20 | E195 |
AZU5008 | 15:40z | 17:00z | 1:20 | E195 |
AZU4455 | 00:05z | 01:25z | 1:20 | E195 E295 |
AZU4743 | 16:20z | 17:40z | 1:20 | E195 |
AZU6503 | 17:41z | 18:47z | 1:06 | E195 |
AZU2979 | 21:30z | 22:55z | 1:25 | E195 |
AZU2790 | 19:45z | 21:10z | 1:25 | E195 |
AZU4351 | 09:05z | 10:25z | 1:20 | E195 |
AZU4589 | 20:25z | 21:45z | 1:20 | E195 |
AZU4203 | 19:05z | 20:25z | 1:20 | E195 |
AZU4905 | 15:35z | 16:55z | 1:20 | E195 |
Leg 9: KSFO - KSAN
ExpandPilots 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 |
---|---|---|---|---|
UAL298 | 02:06z | 03:51z | 1:45 | B739 B738 B39M |
UAL3754 | 22:55z | 00:40z | 1:45 | B739 |
UAL1041 | 15:45z | 17:32z | 1:47 | B738 B38M |
UAL1057 | 23:37z | 01:22z | 1:45 | B738 B39M B38M |
UAL2325 | 13:30z | 15:09z | 1:39 | B738 |
UAL2041 | 20:12z | 21:57z | 1:45 | B738 B38M |
UAL336 | 17:58z | 19:47z | 1:49 | B738 |
Leg 10: CYYZ - KLGA
ExpandAlthough 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 | 22:15z | 23:46z | 1:31 | E175 |
ACA8986 | 14:10z | 15:41z | 1:31 | E175 |
ACA990 | 17:15z | 18:39z | 1:24 | E175 |
ACA8544 | 23:15z | 00:46z | 1:31 | E175 |
ACA8984 | 13:10z | 14:46z | 1:36 | E175 |
ACA8992 | 20:15z | 21:46z | 1:31 | E175 CRJ9 |
ACA8542 | 18:20z | 19:51z | 1:31 | E175 |
ACA8988 | 15:45z | 17:16z | 1:31 | E175 |
ACA8998 | 00:55z | 02:30z | 1:35 | E175 |
ACA8990 | 17:15z | 18:46z | 1:31 | E175 |
ACA8990 | 17:48z | 19:02z | 1:14 | E175 |
ACA540 | 11:40z | 13:04z | 1:24 | E175 |
ACA540 | 11:40z | 13:04z | 1:24 | E175 CRJ9 |
ACA540 | 12:59z | 14:07z | 1:08 | CRJ9 |
ACA8540 | 11:40z | 13:11z | 1:31 | E175 CRJ9 |
ACA8994 | 21:15z | 22:46z | 1:31 | E175 |
ACA8982 | 10:15z | 11:46z | 1:31 | E175 CRJ9 |
Leg 11: KDEN - KASE
ExpandAnother 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 |
---|---|---|---|---|
UAL4658 | 13:45z | 14:36z | 0:51 | CRJ7 |
UAL5273 | 19:40z | 22:03z | 2:23 | CRJ7 |
UAL4664 | 17:15z | 18:12z | 0:57 | CRJ7 |
UAL5781 | 02:55z | 03:50z | 0:55 | CRJ7 |
UAL5779 | 01:06z | 02:02z | 0:56 | CRJ7 |
UAL5782 | 15:45z | 16:36z | 0:51 | CRJ7 |
UAL5771 | 19:45z | 20:41z | 0:56 | CRJ7 |
UAL5771 | 23:37z | 00:08z | 0:31 | CRJ7 |
UAL5769 | 17:55z | 18:50z | 0:55 | CRJ7 |
UAL5773 | 21:40z | 22:36z | 0:56 | CRJ7 |
UAL5775 | 23:20z | 00:16z | 0:56 | CRJ7 |
Leg 12: SBKP - SBRJ
ExpandSantos 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 |
---|---|---|---|---|
AZU2917 | 23:00z | 00:05z | 1:05 | E195 AT76 |
AZU2797 | 09:00z | 10:05z | 1:05 | E195 |
AZU2616 | 14:00z | 15:05z | 1:05 | E195 |
AZU2616 | 13:00z | 14:05z | 1:05 | E195 |
AZU2924 | 11:15z | 12:20z | 1:05 | E195 |
AZU4305 | 21:00z | 22:05z | 1:05 | AT76 E195 |
AZU4305 | 21:30z | 22:35z | 1:05 | E195 |
AZU5086 | 19:00z | 20:05z | 1:05 | E195 |
AZU2783 | 20:00z | 21:05z | 1:05 | AT76 E195 |
AZU2963 | 15:10z | 16:15z | 1:05 | E195 |
AZU2783 | 20:50z | 21:55z | 1:05 | E195 |
AZU2932 | 17:10z | 18:15z | 1:05 | E195 |
AZU2884 | 00:20z | 01:25z | 1:05 | E195 |
AZU9803 | 11:09z | 11:57z | 0:48 | E195 |
Leg 13: NZAA - NZGS
ExpandAnother 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.
Leg 14: EBBR - EGLL
ExpandHeathrow 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.
Leg 15: HUEN - HRYR
ExpandRwanda 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.
Leg 16: CYUL - CYTZ
ExpandThis 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
Choose any one of the routes below.
Flight Number | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Aircraft Models |
---|---|---|---|---|
ACA7962 | 20:03z | 20:56z | 0:53 | DH8D |
ACA7979 | 00:30z | 01:52z | 1:22 | DH8D |
ACA7989 | 20:44z | 21:36z | 0:52 | DH8D |
ACA7969 | 19:30z | 20:52z | 1:22 | DH8D |
ACA7975 | 22:30z | 23:52z | 1:22 | DH8D |
ACA7965 | 17:30z | 18:52z | 1:22 | DH8D |
ACA7959 | 14:30z | 15:48z | 1:18 | DH8D |
ACA7953 | 11:30z | 12:52z | 1:22 | DH8D |
ACA7971 | 20:30z | 21:52z | 1:22 | DH8D |
ACA7955 | 12:30z | 13:52z | 1:22 | DH8D |
Leg 17: RJTT - RJBE
ExpandThis is a leg of 231 nm (427 km) from Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND/RJTT) (Hub) to Kobe Airport (UKB/RJBE) (Hub) .
Eligible routes
Choose any one of the routes below.
Flight Number | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Aircraft Models |
---|---|---|---|---|
ANA411 | 21:40z | 22:50z | 1:10 | B763 A321 A21N |
ANA415 | 11:30z | 12:45z | 1:15 | A20N |
SKY101 | 22:20z | 23:35z | 1:15 | B738 |
SKY103 | 00:05z | 01:20z | 1:15 | B738 |
SKY105 | 04:00z | 05:15z | 1:15 | B738 |
SKY117 | 11:05z | 12:20z | 1:15 | B738 |
SKY109 | 06:35z | 07:50z | 1:15 | B738 |
SKY113 | 08:55z | 10:10z | 1:15 | B738 |
SKY119 | 12:15z | 13:30z | 1:15 | B738 |
Leg 18: KLAS - KLAX
ExpandDay 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.
Leg 19: KDEN - KWYS
ExpandThis 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.