Take a closer Look
Excitement fills the air as we prepare for the pre-order launch of my latest photo calendar.
While flying has become common place for many, it still evokes a range of emotions, from the thrill of exploring distant lands to the serenity of soaring above the clouds. For me, flying is an everyday adventure, a journey that takes me above the clouds and across the globe.
Join me on the flight deck or the airport's tarmac as I share captivating moments captured through my camera lens. It is with great honor that I share my creative work, recognized as a winner at the International Photography Awards 2018. For the upcoming year I have carefully curated a collection of images inviting you to experience the beauty of flight from a pilot's perspective.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this project possible, especially my fellow pilots and internal departments for their unwavering support and permission to use the images. All pictures were taken during the non-sterile phase, on the ground, or as an observer in the third seat. For more insights into my daily adventures above the clouds, follow my Instagram account @sky_trotter and read my blog.
Because we care
Your purchase of this photo calendar goes beyond simply acquiring beautiful imagery; it signifies your active support for a meaningful cause. For every calendar sold, CHF 5 will be donated to the children's foundation of the SWISS employees (Stiftung Kinderhilfe des SWISS Personals) to provide assistance to kids in need around the world. Learn more on their website.
This project is proudly produced entirely in Switzerland in close collaboration with local businesses. All arising CO2 emissions are offset through donations to ClimatePartner, funding global climate action and ensuring carbon neutrality. Production adheres to FSC standards from wood processing to the final print, guaranteeing that the paper originates from environmentally and socially responsible forestry practices.
Thank you for joining me in making a positive impact and supporting me in my commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
Let's take a closer look.
Embark on a captivating journey through my 2025 photo calendar, offering unique glimpses into my daily life as an airline pilot. Each image captures a moment of beauty and wonder, from breathtaking aerial vistas to intimate cockpit scenes. Discover the world from a pilot's perspective and let these images transport you to the heart of aviation.
Secure your copy today and embark on this extraordinary visual adventure. Visit my shop to order your calendar now. Click here to get to get your copy>
Cover
The Gateway to Switzerland
After our early morning departure from runway 32, a magnificent view unfolds: Zurich Airport and the city still rest in dawn’s calm, while in the distance the Alps glow in with the first sunrays of the day. As Switzerland’s main gateway to the world, Zurich Airport connects the country at the heart of Europe with over 200 destinations worldwide.
Unlike most airports where the active runway configuration is determined primarily by wind direction, Zurich operates under a state treaty designed to distribute noise more evenly across surrounding areas and neighboring Germany. This concept generally foresees arrivals on runway 14 and departures from 28 during the day. In the morning, both takeoffs and landings are conducted northbound on runways 32 and 34, while in the evening, landings shift westward to runway 28 with northbound departures. Depending on weather and traffic conditions, these patterns may vary to ensure safe and efficient operations.
January
Winter Wonderland
Winter is in full swing, and a passing cold front with heavy snowfall has blanketed Switzerland in a thick layer of snow. Throughout the night, an armada of specialized vehicles worked tirelessly in a well-orchestrated choreography to clear the runways and taxiways, ensuring that early morning operations could begin on schedule.
Framed by the enchanting winter landscape, this Airbus A220 climbs steeply into the morning sky as one of the first departures of the day. Bound for Florence, Italy, everyone on board will soon be treated to spectacular views over the freshly snow-powdered Alps.
February
Welcome to the Arctic Circle
In the cockpit of this Edelweiss Airbus 320, absolute concentration prevails. The surreal winter landscape of the far north welcomes us as we line up for the final approach to runway 19 in Tromsø, Norway. Nestled within a breathtaking fjord landscape, surrounded by towering mountains and often shaped by harsh winter weather, this approach north of the Arctic Circle demands the utmost precision and seamless teamwork from the pilots. Operating so far north also brings unique challenges - from rapidly changing winter conditions to strong winds and magnetic variations that subtly affects navigation.
March
Touchdown at the Heart of London
London City Airport stands out as one of the most distinctive destinations in our network - a gateway located just minutes from London’s city center and known for its demanding operations. Approaching the airport requires a 5.5° descent angle, almost twice as steep as the typical 3° glide path, to safely clear the city’s skyline. The runway itself is short and narrow, leaving little margin for error and requiring absolute precision during touchdown. Turbulent and shifting winds, shaped by the surrounding buildings, further test the pilots’ skill and concentration. It’s a challenging yet rewarding approach that embodies the very essence of precision flying.
April
Colourful Homecoming
About eleven hours ago, flight LX41 lifted off into the evening sky above Los Angeles, crossing on its way home the endless ice deserts of the Arctic and the deep blue of the Atlantic. From the otherworldly views over the Arctic to the first light over the Atlantic, there’s a quiet satisfaction in guiding the aircraft home after a long journey from a distant world, descending at last over Zurich’s colorful spring landscape in full bloom. After a short night beneath captivating northern lights, its pilots now guide the Boeing 777 precisely towards a smooth landing on runway 14.
May
Tropical Skies
We are just twenty minutes into our long journey home from Bangkok, Thailand. Still in the climb, we cross the coast of Myanmar and head out over the waters of the Andaman Sea. With trained eyes on the weather radar and the horizon, the pilots skilfully navigate around the towering thunderstorms of the Intertropical Convergence Zone ahead. The ITCZ is a tropical low-pressure belt near the equator, where trade winds from both hemispheres meet, creating powerful updrafts that fuel daily thunderstorms and shape the humid climates of the world’s rainforests - keeping pilots busy all year round.
June
Golden Hour Landing
The golden light of a warm summer evening bathes the landscape around Zurich Airport as we are on final approach to runway 28. In aviation, a smooth landing is often seen as the hallmark of a great pilot - that gentle touch that can earn a round of applause from the cabin. Yet true airmanship goes far beyond the softness of touchdown. It lies in flying a stable, well-judged approach: maintaining the right speed, configuration, and glidepath, and making sound decisions every step of the way. A good landing is the natural result of a good approach and not solely defined by its smoothness.
July
Surrounded by Nature
Zurich Airport is the home base of SWISS, Edelweiss, and other local airlines, employing around 35,000 people across about 280 companies that keep this hub running day and night. The airport also hosts the largest nature reserve in the canton of Zurich. In the early morning hours, the first Edelweiss Airbus A350 climbs gracefully into the morning sky, its silhouette mirrored in the still waters of one of the airport’s many biotopes. Made largely from lightweight composites and powered by cutting-edge engines, the A350 ranks among the most efficient and quietest long-haul aircraft.
August
Adío Mykonos
In the relentless midday heat, we climb steeply into the sky above the Greek island of Mykonos. Moments ago, we departed from runway 34 and now enjoy a stunning view of Mykonos town with its iconic Cycladic architecture and bustling harbor. Situated in the heart of the island, JMK serves as an ideal gateway to the Aegean. With its short runway and strong, gusty winds swirling between the surrounding hills, it ranks among the world’s most challenging airports. Its small apron accommodates only a handful of aircraft and becomes a lively hub of holiday traffic during the busy summer months.
September
Bonjour Mont Blanc
Geneva Airport lies at the foot of Europe’s highest mountains. Flights to and from the city at Switzerland’s western edge often lead southeast across the majestic Alps, offering breathtaking views of the peaks below. Shortly after lifting off from runway 22 on board this Airbus A220 bound for a sunny Greek island, the MEDAM5A departure takes us directly over Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest summit at 4,805 meters. Flying over such terrain demands full awareness of the surrounding topography and performance to maintain safe altitude margins and prepare for any possible contingencies.
October
Welcome to the Family
Excitement fills the air at Zurich Airport as SWISS welcomes its new flagship. Upon its first touchdown, the Airbus A350 receives a traditional water salute — a gesture of good fortune and best wishes for the journeys ahead. The aircraft marks the start of a new era, showcasing cutting-edge technology that enhances sustainability and comfort with a redesigned cabin interior. Adorned with the special livery «Wanderlust» - the world’s first flying art gallery - the aircraft pays tribute to Switzerland in a creative and playful way.
November
Above the City Lights
Just minutes ago, our 380-tonne Boeing 777 defied gravity and lifted off from Runway 07R at Hong Kong International Airport. As we bank gently to the left, the city unfolds beneath us — a vast ocean of shimmering lights. We gaze down upon this vibrant South Asian metropolis: streets pulsing with life, ferries gliding across Victoria Harbour, and towers sparkling against the dark expanse of the South China Sea. Soon, the restless rhythm of a city that never truly sleeps will fade into the distance, and our 343 passengers will settle in for their twelve-hour journey to Switzerland.
December
Before Rudolph Takes Flight
During the Christmas season, a very special “Rudolph” sets off on a long journey to distant Shanghai, China. Throughout Advent, this Airbus A340-300 proudly wears a red nose, carrying the magic of the Christmas spirit out into the world and transforming into the modern flying sleigh of Santa Claus himself. Continuous snowfall has blanketed the aircraft in a thick, glistening layer of snow. Before departure, it undergoes a thorough de-icing — a perfectly choreographed ballet of ground vehicles circling the jet, their movements clearing away the ice and ensuring the aircraft’s readiness for flight.
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