Editor’s note: This is the latest installment in our weekly series called simply the “Friday photo.” Each week we’ll share a great photo taken from the cockpit – one that shares the joy, beauty or fun of flying. If you’d like to join in, send your photo and description (using the format below) to: [email protected]
The view: Chicago skyline from 500 ft.
The pilot: John Zimmerman – Cincinnati, Ohio
The airplane: Citabria
The mission: Flying to Oshkosh 2015
The memory: Every year I like to fly to Oshkosh low and slow, enjoying the view at 90 knots – after all, getting to the big show really is half the fun. One of the highlights of the trip every year from my home base in Cincinnati, Ohio to Wisconsin is the Chicago area. If the weather is good, there’s no better flight than the one that follows the lakefront. The route takes you past famous landmarks like Navy Pier, Wrigley Field and Willis Tower (you can look up at some office workers and wave). The only downer is the flight over abandoned Meigs airport, which sits barren and undeveloped, a lasting reminder of political misconduct. As is true so many places in the US, no special clearances or equipment is required – just keep your head on a swivel and enjoy the view.
See our other Friday Photo entries here.
- Weather flying means learning to read clouds - November 11, 2024
- What’s wrong with the teardrop pattern entry - September 25, 2024
- What matters for VFR proficiency: better landings - August 26, 2024
Love the Friday Photo feature. Great idea and some great shots. Keep it up.
Very nice, but would have been even better if Meigs Field were still around.
Is there a special clearance to get this close to the skyline? I would love to get this view.
Nope – you can do it all VFR without ever talking to ATC if you don’t want to. The glories of GA in the US.