Excitement fills the air as we prepare for the pre-order launch of my latest photo calendar.
While flying has become commonplace 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 2023 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>
Sailing above the Sand
On our way home from Johannesburg, we're witnessing a mesmerizing sunrise as the first rays of the new day illuminate the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert. Despite its stunning beauty, we traverse a desolate and inhospitable environment. We depend on technological marvels, such as GPS navigation and long-range communication systems, to ensure safe passage through this remote region of the world.
Landing in Winter Wonderland
We are perfectly aligned for a touchdown at Kittilä’s runway 34, the gateway to Finnish Lapland. Situated beyond the Arctic Circle, this 2500m long runway is often covered in snow. The wintery condition presents an additional challenge to the flight crews, necessitating special procedures.
Snowed-In
A passing winter storm has blanketed Zurich Airport in heavy snow, resulting in a temporary closure. Following the diligent work of the snow removal team, it is now time to resume flights. Before this Airbus A220 can take to the skies again, the residual snow on its wings and fuselage must be removed. It is patiently waiting for its turn at the de-icing pad, a bit like a beauty makeover.
Across the Röstigraben
The captain of this Airbus A320neo will soon make a smooth landing on runway 34 at Zurich Airport after a short hop from Geneva. Despite its size, Switzerland has four official languages. During this 30-minute flight, we cross the “Röstigraben”, which marks the boundary between the French and German-speaking areas of the country named after a national dish.
California Dreaming
After a little under 12 hours in the air, LX38 is about to arrive in San Francisco, the heart of the Golden State. During the approach, everyone on the plane’s left side has a breathtaking view of the city and its iconic Golden Gate Bridge. So always choose a window seat to get the best possible inflight entertainment.
Defying Gravity
With take-off clearance granted, the Captain of LX188 throttles up the two giant GE90 engines of his Boeing 777. Roaring down runway 34 marks the beginning of their 9051km long journey to Shanghai, China. In mere moments, the 351-toned airliner will achieve the velocity needed to lift off into the clear blue skies.
Kalimera Santorini
Landing at the sun-kissed airport of Santorini, Greece, looks as spectacular as it is challenging. This becomes apparent as we make the final turn toward runway 33. This airport is located along the island's eastern shoreline, featuring a short and narrow runway that only offers straight-in approaches from the north. Yet, runway 33 is mainly used due to the prevailing northerly winds.
Seaside Summer Landing
Circumnavigating storm cells en route from Singapore to Zurich, we are treated to the captivating St. Elmo's Fire, a unique weather phenomenon. It is caused by the ionization of air molecules due to a strong electric field, creating a corona discharge of faint, glowing plasma. It is an eerie yet striking sight that is only visible at night and of no risk for the aircraft or its occupants.
Typically Swiss
The rush hour at Zurich Airport is in full swing, keeping the air traffic controllers busy landing a plane almost every minute. Nearby, cows graze in their favorite field. Might that be the reason they look so happy? While the grass may be green, we are sure that the view of aircraft landing and taking off must be the secret to their high-quality milk.
Dear London City Airport
As the name implies, LCY is located at the heart of the British metropolis and is categorized as a particularly challenging airport. Therefore, special training is required, allowing only the captain to be at controls. Not only do we face a steep approach angle of 5.5 degrees, but we also need to land on a short and narrow runway of only 30m in width and just 1508m in length.
Flying above the Alps
Flying in and out of Switzerland, two aerial gateways, Zurich and Geneva airports, frequently guide us over the Swiss Alps. This becomes especially rewarding when journeying southward or eastward, providing us with awe-inspiring vistas of the majestic Swiss Alps. Today, the sight of a company Airbus A321neo compliments the view as we follow the southerly arrival route into ZRH.
Guided by the Lights
Airbus A220 is about to touch down at Zurich Airport. Following air traffic control's initial guidance, the aircraft transitions to ground-based radio or GPS signals for precise runway alignment. As most landings are executed manually, visual cues, especially runway and approach lights, become crucial, ensuring a precise touchdown, especially during nighttime landings.
Santa's New Sleigh
In a mix of tradition and innovation, this Airbus A320neo, adorned with a vibrant red nose, takes to the skies as Santa's new Sleigh spreads Christmas cheer across Europe. Gliding effortlessly through the winter skies, delivering gifts and holiday spirit to wherever it flies. As it gracefully soars the skies, one can almost hear Santa's hearty "Ho ho ho!" echoing through the cockpit.
Get your copy today
Did you enjoy these impressions from my daily life as an airline pilot? Head over to my shop to get your copy today.
It might sound early bu: It is this time of the year again!
I have to admit, that I am quoting a famous movie where they say, "same procedure as every year!"...well here we go again:
Welcome to a look behind the scenes of my latest photo calendar, which will soon be available for pre-order.
For many of us, flying has become ordinary. Fortunately, it still inspires many of us and creates lots of emotions. May it be the excitement to travel to a far distant place, or the joy to soar above the clouds and watch the world pass by underneath, or last but not least, the thrill it creates if the airways are a bit bumpier than expected. What does flying mean to you?
My daily life in the flight deck takes me above the clouds and across the globe. One of my constant travel companions is my camera. I have carefully curated some of my favorite views and would like to share the most extraordinary and awe-inspiring moments in this calendar with you. I am glad to have you join me on the flight deck or the airport's tarmac and experience the beauty of flight from a pilot's perspective. For more insights into my daily adventures above the clouds, make sure to follow my Instagram account «@sky_trotter» and read my blog.
I want to take this opportunity to thank all involved in making this project possible. A special appreciation goes out to my fellow pilots, internal departments for their 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.
I am honored that my creative work was selected as a winner at the International Photography Awards 2018.
Because we care
I am very proud to inform you that you support a cause for good by purchasing this photo calendar. For every copy sold, I donate CHF 5.- to the children's foundation of the SWISS employees (Stiftung Kinderhilfe des SWISS Personals). Visit their website for further information. Thank you very much for your support.
This project is produced entirely in Switzerland and promotes an effort for the global climate issue. All arising CO2 emissions are compensated by donations towards projects of MyClimate, making this project carbon neutral. From wood processing to the finished print, the production takes place per FSC-standards. Therefore, the used paper originates from environmentally-friendly and socially acceptable managed forests.
Let's take a closer look.
Read the picture description down below. These are the pictures of my 2023 photo calendar with some very different insights into my daily life as an airline pilot. Head over to my shop to get your copy today. Click here to get to the store>
Golden Hour Roar
Certainly a particular impressive vantage point of this Boeing B777 kissed by the morning sun rays. Unlike its sibling in the background, this behemoth airliner stays firmly on the ground while undergoing a maintenance visit. The mechanics and engineers thoroughly test its systems before signing it off to go airborne again. They include a so-called high-power run-up where they throttle up the two mighty GE90 engines to gain the confidence that they are good to go too.
Riding the Galactic Storm
The night sky can be home to some of the most beautiful natural phenomena. This evening, the crew and passengers on board LX39 from San Francisco to Zurich are greeted by jaw-dropping Aurora Borealis. As they soar above the Canadian Arctic, a Boeing 787 bound for London overtakes them while the Northern Lights dance in the blistering cold night sky above. A unique sight that certainly illustrates the magic of flying.
Welcome to Switzerland
On clear days we greet our passengers with stunning inflight entertainment. We get offered some spectacular sights, especially when flying in from the south as we cross the Alps. It usually includes a fabulous view of Helvetia's most iconic mountain, the Matterhorn. The backdrop of the Southern Alps complimented with the country's flag adorning this Airbus A320's sharklet gifts passengers with a memorable souvenir.
Last Days of Winter
Despite the winter season ending, the cold nights still regularly cover the airplanes with a thin layer of frost, keeping the de-icing crews busy during the early morning rush hour. Before departure, the airliners queue up for their “spa treatment” at Zurich airport. During this procedure, a perfectly orchestrated ballet of the ground handling vehicles bustles around the aircraft. A spectacle on its own for everyone onboard and any external observers, with a sole purpose: Flight safety.
Perfectly established
After breezing through European skies, this A220 is about to touch down at Zurich Airport. While their passengers enjoy a magical sunset, the pilots perform a satellite-based approach onto runway 28. Advanced onboard technology allows them to maneuver their airliner with the utmost accuracy without needing any ground-based equipment. Thanks to this latest technology, maintenance-intensive navigation equipment at the airport are about to become a thing of the past and help reduce operating costs while keeping the highest safety standards.
Love is in the Air
The blossoming fields offer a colorful welcome as LX9 is about to land at Zurich Airport. Some eight hours ago, LX9 lifted off from Chicago O'Hare, one of the busiest airports in the world. On its final approach, this Airbus A340 cuts through the last patch of mist above a flowery field and draws a short-lasting spectacle into the morning sky. The otherwise invisible wakes are caused by the difference in pressure around the wings. They form two counter-rotating vortices trailing behind the aircraft.
Mesmerizing Sunset
The HUD or Head Up Display is a great way to keep eyes on what is happening outside while monitoring the aircraft's parameters. The crew of this A220 aims to pass over a cluster of dissipating thunderstorm clouds ahead by climbing to 36'000 ft. These beautiful clouds are characterized by a trail of precipitation falling from their underside but evaporating before reaching the earth's surface. Together with a colorful sunset, they create a mesmerizing scene en route to Oslo, Norway.
Seaside Summer Landing
We are on a spectacular approach to one of Greece's most popular holiday destinations: Corfu. An island in the Ionian Sea known for its cosmopolitan Old Town, stunning sandy beaches, and beautiful landscapes. In a few moments, we will be touching down on runway 34, and our passengers will enjoy the warm Mediterranean temperatures as they prepare to set their watches to holiday time.
Happy Birthday, Switzerland
The magic of flight is even greater when shared. During the 2014 Payerne Air14 display, this A330 is soaring above the rolling green hills of Western Switzerland as it is about to greet the crowds with a stunning set of low-altitude maneuvers. And the pilots of this long-haul airliner brought some friends along. The six F-5 Tiger fighter aircraft of the famous Patrouille Suisse a perfectly lined-up and ready to create a unique, Swiss-made spectacle.
Greeted by Greenery
As this A220 is on its final approach to Zurich Airport, the dawning of autumn is starting to be visible to the flight crew. Amongst the green forests, a few trees begin to adorn their warm autumn-like colors and give a taste of what the landscape will turn into within a few weeks. Such is the beauty of such an office view: witnessing the constant changing of the seasons and weather from above.
Colorful Touch Down
Autumn is well and truly here as the pilots of this A320Neo perform a perfect landing right on the runway touchdown markings during the most colorful of seasons. The patchwork-colored forests adjacent to Zurich's runway 14 make for a colorful backdrop for the landing of this brand new Airbus. One can recognize it thanks to its larger engines, sharklets, and black contour-painted cockpit.
Winter is coming
Flying home from southwestern Europe, we are greeted by the beautiful night-lit landscape of eastern Switzerland and neighboring France. The rays of tonight's full moon beacon down on Lake Leman and the first patches of snow on the Alps and Jura mountaintops. Straight ahead, the bright city lights of Geneva mark the west tip of Switzerland. Home to the country's second-largest airport and well-known for being very international by hosting countless international missions, banks, and non-governmental organizations.
Merry Christmas, Aviators!
Nothing says Christmas more than coming together with loved ones, Christmas trees, presents, and Glühwein. Well, almost.
In the middle of a winter's night, great teamwork, Swiss precision, and 417 light bulbs made a fantasy come true on the tarmac at Zurich airport. With the magic of light and an Airbus A321, they undoubtedly found an elegant yet unique way to wish all crew, passengers, and aviation enthusiasts happy end-of-year celebrations.
Get your copy today
Did you enjoy these impressions from my daily life as an airline pilot? Head over to my shop to get your copy today.
It is this time of the year again!
Quoting a famous movie, they say, "same procedure as every year!"
Welcome to a look behind the scenes of my latest photo calendar, which is now available to pre-order.
For many of us, flying has become ordinary. Fortunately, it still inspires many of us and creates lots of emotions. May it be the excitement to travel to a far distant place, or the joy to soar above the clouds and watch the world pass by underneath, or last but not least, the thrill it creates if the airways are a bit bumpier than expected. What does flying mean to you?
My daily life in the flight deck takes me above the clouds and across the globe. One of my constant travel companions is my camera. I have carefully curated some of my favorite views and would like to share the most extraordinary and awe-inspiring moments in this calendar with you. I am glad to have you join me on the flight deck or the airport's tarmac and experience the beauty of flight from a pilot's perspective. For more insights into my daily adventures above the clouds, make sure to follow my Instagram account «@sky_trotter» and read my blog.
I want to take this opportunity to thank all involved in making this project possible. A special appreciation goes out to my fellow pilots, internal departments for their 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.
I am honored that my creative work was selected as a winner at the International Photography Awards 2018.
Because we care
I am very proud to inform you that you support a cause for good by purchasing this photo calendar. For every copy sold, I donate CHF 5.- to the children's foundation of the SWISS employees (Stiftung Kinderhilfe des SWISS Personals). Visit their website for further information. Thank you very much for your support.
This project is produced entirely in Switzerland and promotes an effort for the global climate issue. All arising CO2 emissions are compensated by donations towards projects of MyClimate, making this project carbon neutral. From wood processing to the finished print, the production takes place per FSC-standards. Therefore, the used paper originates from environmentally-friendly and socially acceptable managed forests.
Let's take a closer look.
Read the picture description down below. These are the pictures of my 2020 photo calendar with some very different insights into my daily life as an airline pilot. Head over to my shop to get your copy today. Click here to get to the store>
Colorful Sunrise
An early morning departure from Zurich takes us above the sea of fog and along the Swiss Alps. In a few moments, the first warm rays of the rising sun will illuminate the magnificent peaks and turn the faint morning sky into a colorful spectacle as we are passing by mount Säntis with the Bernina mountain range adorning the horizon.
Winter is Here
We are seconds from touching down on runway 14 at Zurich Airport after a 10-hour transatlantic journey home from Los Angeles. A thick layer of powder from the recent snowstorm has covered Switzerland and is keeping the ground crew busy. They have been tirelessly clearing the runways, taxiways, and aprons to keep us flying.
Winter Serenity
A picture-perfect winter wonderland welcomes this Airbus 340 as it is precisely established on final approach on the longest runway at Zurich Airport. The 3500-meter long runway 16 is generally used for long-haul departures. However, due to the recent snowfall, the landing runways are alternated in order to allow them to be cleared of the snow contamination.
Bonsoir Genève
“Geneva Tower Bonsoir, Swiss Two-Two-Zero-One, established ILS04”, we are about to receive our landing clearance as we are passing over the glistening lights of one of Geneva’s industrial zone after the flight crew after a 3-hour flight from Marrakech. The airport sits on the border with France and is well known for its scenic views of the Jura and Mont Blanc.
Spring Landing
After the winter season, nature is clearly regaining its colors. The vantage point from the cockpit gives us a prime view on one of nature’s spectacles: a bright rainbow lighting up the sky over Zurich’s suburbs. We are perfectly aligned to runway 28 which is usually used for the evening arrivals and whenever strong westerly winds prevail and offers a steeper approach due to the underlying terrain.
Simplicity is Plane Love
Pilots usually park with the guidance of an electronic parking system. Whenever it is unavailable, the aircraft gets marshaled into its parking position. The crew of this Airbus 320 at Zurich Airport during the late blue hour is welcomed with a bit of ground crew love, ending their 1500km long journey home from Stockholm Arlanda.
The approach into Corfu is one to behold. After landing on runway 17, pilots have to turn around and backtrack to reach the terminal, as there is no taxiway running its entire length. After disembarking from the aircraft, one is met by the beautiful scent of the Ionian Islands and greeted by the famous Mediterranean hospitality on this beautiful Greek island.
Into the Sunset
A short hop across the Alps takes us to Nice Côte d'Azur Airport. While being scenically located directly on the waterfront of the French Riviera, the approach is not only stunning but challenging too. Whenever the weather permits, aircraft are flown above water before making one final turn to align with the runway to minimize noise over the densely populated coastline.
Great for the Environment
After a two-hour flight from Lisbon, Portugal, LX2083 is about to land at Zurich Airport. The Airbus A320neo is not only one of the most popular airliners, but its latest version of engines also makes it one of the most efficient ones. Thanks to its improved aerodynamics and new propulsion technology, it is much quieter than comparable aircraft of the previous generation and emits nearly 15% less CO2.
Day's End over the Horizon
The sun has just set as we are cruising along the Adriatic coastline. After a hot summer’s day, an area of intense thunderstorms spreads across northern Italy. Circumnavigating around these so-called squall lines is one of this season's daily challenges but does reward the eye with a spectacle to behold.
First Snow of the Season
As we descend into Zurich airport, we get treated to a spectacular view of the freshly fallen snow covering the Swiss Alps from a passing cold front. The first snow of the has covered all the summits visible from our aircraft: The Matterhorn, Mont-Blanc as well as the famous Bernese peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
Foggy Morning
A Boing 777 cuts through the ground fog at Zurich Airport, creating some impressive vapour trails. Most of the time, pilots manually fly the landing, except in low-visibility conditions like these. Thanks to sophisticated autopilots, most modern airliners can land in as little as 75 meters of visibility. Needless to say that this relies on technically advanced systems onboard and on the ground in addition to extensive crew training.
Christmas Homecoming
Our passion is to fly our guests around the globe to make them be with their loved ones. As flight crews, we are out and about all 365 days of the year. This sometimes means that we are up in the sky even during Christmas and far away from our loved ones, making us cherish the moments we have at home even more.
Get your copy today
Did you enjoy these impressions from my daily life as an airline pilot? Head over to my shop to get your copy today.
Most of the time, pilots fly the landing manually, except in low-visibility conditions, as seen here aboard this Airbus A220, seconds from the touchdown at Munich Airport. The pilots are fully focused on monitoring the autopilot, and the aircraft systems, as the airplane is about to perform an automatic landing in as little as 200m visibility.
Thankfully flying is an outdoor activity that allows us to witness breathtaking weather phenomenon from a unique vantage point. Luckily, my home base Zurich Airport is located within the moderate latitudes, offering the chance to see all the beauty the four seasons have to offer. But with the beauty come some challenges too: Winter calls for contaminated runways and lengthy de-icing, spring and fall often have far-reaching blankets of thick fog in store for us. Generally, flying within these conditions is safe as long as we follow the supplementary procedures closely. Still, it's fair to say that they create an additional workload for all involved too.
Without diving too deep into technical facts and operational regulations, an airliner can generally be manually landed (flown by the pilot) with a visibility of 550m or more. We can distinguish today's approach types between precision and non-precision approaches. They differentiate mainly by the technology involved. A Non-Precision Approach is based on two-dimensional guidance, while a precision approach is three-dimensional. The recent years have brought a giant leap forward in technology, and navigation tends more and more towards satellite-based navigation. However, all current approach types of operating in low visibility conditions are still ground-based. The most common one is the ILS or instrument landing system. Its lateral and vertical radio signals guide the aircraft from a defined final approach point (FAP) to the runway.
Depending on the installed components and level of certification, an approach gets assigned a particular approach category. The most basic one for an ILS is a CAT1 (requiring 550m visibility or more), and the most advanced one, CAT3c, allows a landing with no visibility at all. As the latter needs significantly constricting back-up systems and comprehensive calibration and certification, no airport has implemented it to my knowledge. And from a practical standpoint, where would you go once you land in zero visibility and stop your aircraft on the runway if you can't see anything? Even if there's a follow-me vehicle to guide you, none of you can see each other to understand which way to take. As a result, you'll be stuck on the runway until and unless the visibility improves. Therefore most bigger airports offer CAT3b approaches that require visibility of at least 75m. It is essential to understand that one needs to distinguish between an automatic landing and low visibility procedures. While the latter is something the concerns operational and procedural aspects on the ground and in the airplane, the first one is purely a matter of installed technology on the aircraft.
Simply put, we could automatically land (let the autopilot do the work) on many runways (of course still with some restrictions) with at least a CAT2 ILS installed as long as all the required airplane systems are functional. But once the visibility reduces below 550m, things start to get complicated. Now the so-called "low visibility procedures" are in force (called-out by the airport/air traffic control), putting a whole set of regulations and requirements in place. They include technical aspects of the ground equipment (a malfunction of individual runway lights or transmitters could cause a downgrade). The aircraft systems require all involved parties (pilots and air traffic controllers) to be trained qualified for the specific level. And above all, the pilot's low-visibility operation is exclusively performed in Command (Of course, with the autopilot engaged).
To put it into a nutshell: Flying in foggy weather is safe but certainly very complex and requires a thorough preparation in the flight deck.
A new day dawns on the horizon as we fly east above the lake of Constance, preparing our approach to runway 26R at Munich Airport. A little over an hour back, we started duty in Geneva and reviewed the briefing package. This pile of information tells us, pilots, what the upcoming day might have in store for us. The information cover weather aspects, just as much as operational information about the assigned aircraft or the airport we will operate from or to and is coded into an aviation-slang that originates back in the day when the communication technology was far from digital. We streak-through the briefing package in a pre-defined order looking for extra-ordinary facts and condensate them into specials and hazards. At first, this might sound "critical," but it is our approach to distinguish between the ordinary and those factors that might call for extra attention. While neither the aircraft nor the airports have any significant deficiencies, the Munich Airport weather forecast predicts thick fog in the morning. We expect that there will be so-called "low visibility procedures" in force calling for a reduced traffic flow rate.
Flying in such reduced visibility is among the primary things we train in every simulator session, while it is rather seldom in real life. It is the moment the autopilot takes over for the landing, and we pilots become spectators in a very complex system.
The thick layer of fog only covers the ground, making it is surreal to slowly descend into this sea of clouds knowing that we are only a few hundred meters above the ground. "Five hundred", the radio altimeter calls out our height above the ground. A few moments ago, we were cleared to land, and we received the final information about the current visibility. It is just over 250m along the whole runway.
Both pilots continuously monitor the systems and navigation indications. Any excessive deviation (could be caused by another airplane taxiing too close to the runway) or a technical deficiency would require a Go-Around. As almost all landings are manually flown, it takes some time to get used to that feeling of "handing over control" to the autopilot. We are diving into the fog, and soon the system will call out "Approaching minimums" as we are coming over the runway. I start to see some faint lights ahead. They gradually become more intense, and I can associate them with the runway light system. To proceed with the landing, I need to acquire specific visual cues. In the case of a CAT3a approach, at least three consecutive lights of the touchdown zone light, the runway edge lights, the runway centerline lights, or the combination thereof. Please take a look at the picture above and try it yourself. "Minimums" - What's your verdict? Are we allowed to land?
About "Behind the Image"
In my photo calendar "Up in the Sky" I get to share my favorite aviation pictures with you. This blog series will complement the product and will tell the story about the moment the picture was taken. It will also share comprehensive information about what happend on the flight deck.
The Lauberhorn Ski Race is the longest downhill run of the World Cup circuit and Switzerland's biggest annual winter sports event. As an established attraction, the Patrouille Suisse, Swiss Air Forces aerobatic demonstration team, performs a spectacular airshow set against the breathtaking alpine backdrop, often joined by an airliner.
Have you ever imagined how it must feel like to precisely navigate between the tight gates while racing down a steep, icy slope at up to 150km/h? Surely the adrenaline levels spike at times of slight irregularities, but maybe that's just the needed satisfaction for those doing it. A ski racer has quite a lot in common with an airline pilot: Everything boils down to a short period of absolute focus and skills, where failure is not an option. While both need an excellent team in the background, paving their path to success, their preparation needs to be meticulous. That couldn't be any more true as for the crews of the display pilots of the flights at the Lauberhorn Ski Race, and I had the privilege to accompany them on several occasions and document the extraordinary flights.
After countless hours of planning and briefing, individual preparation, and joint simulator sessions, they are ready for the real flight. The F5E Tiger pilots are certainly "within" their comfort zone while performing such a display flight with an airliner is not only a career highlight but a big challenge too. Imagine flying a closely clocked program in an airliner within an arena of 3500m high peaks that probably create the most spectacular scenery in the Alps while being trailed by six fighter jets in tight formation at up to 400km/h. I would say everything needs to be flawless, and just as for the ski racer: Errors are not an option.
We fly somewhere over rural Switzerland just north of the Alps and wait until we get joined by the Patrouille Suisse. It was an exciting experience to watch my colleagues prepare for today's flight. They are excited yet fully focussed and know the display program by heart. Soon the fighter jets join us, and after a couple of sweeping turns to get in the flow, we start to head for the Lauberhorn venue. While the past days offered some dull and grey weather, they also made sure the Alps were freshly-powdered. On the race day, a perfect winter wonderland awaits us, and the stage was set for a successful ski race and a breathtaking display flight in front of thousands of spectators on the ground.
The Alps never cease to take our breath away and cast a spell on many of us. Those routes that take me across the rugged peaks and twisted valleys are among my favorite ones, and I call it a vast privilege to have such beautiful scenery just at my doorstep. Flights in and out of Zurich or Geneva offer stunning sights, and even for us "frequent flyer" flying the "scenic" routes amazes us over and over again. But flying so close to those peaks and feeling the perfect line we were flying certainly got me some tears of joy in the eyes. We zoomed across spectacular ridges, and freshly powdered treelines climbed along the race tracks and did tight turns in front of the famous mountain formation "Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau." It was a blast to feel the pilots' precision and skills and see the pictures shot from the ground; I am confident the spectators certainly felt the same way. Inbetween our fly-pasts, the Patrouille Suisse performed their program before joining us again for a final flyby. It was time to hand the flag over to the ski racers and heading back to our bases. And the show continued as the Swiss ski racers certainly didn't fail to amaze by securing the victory at one of the most challenging and longest downhill ski race in the world cup circus.
Back in 2015 I got the chance to create and tell the story about the similarities of the ski racers and the display pilots.
About "Behind the Image"
In my photo calendar "Up in the Sky" I get to share my favorite aviation pictures with you. This blog series will complement the product and will tell the story about the moment the picture was taken. It will also share comprehensive information about what happend on the flight deck.
Excitement fills the air as we prepare for the pre-order launch of my latest photo calendar.
While flying has become commonplace 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 2023 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>
Sailing above the Sand
On our way home from Johannesburg, we're witnessing a mesmerizing sunrise as the first rays of the new day illuminate the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert. Despite its stunning beauty, we traverse a desolate and inhospitable environment. We depend on technological marvels, such as GPS navigation and long-range communication systems, to ensure safe passage through this remote region of the world.
Landing in Winter Wonderland
We are perfectly aligned for a touchdown at Kittilä’s runway 34, the gateway to Finnish Lapland. Situated beyond the Arctic Circle, this 2500m long runway is often covered in snow. The wintery condition presents an additional challenge to the flight crews, necessitating special procedures.
Snowed-In
A passing winter storm has blanketed Zurich Airport in heavy snow, resulting in a temporary closure. Following the diligent work of the snow removal team, it is now time to resume flights. Before this Airbus A220 can take to the skies again, the residual snow on its wings and fuselage must be removed. It is patiently waiting for its turn at the de-icing pad, a bit like a beauty makeover.
Across the Röstigraben
The captain of this Airbus A320neo will soon make a smooth landing on runway 34 at Zurich Airport after a short hop from Geneva. Despite its size, Switzerland has four official languages. During this 30-minute flight, we cross the “Röstigraben”, which marks the boundary between the French and German-speaking areas of the country named after a national dish.
California Dreaming
After a little under 12 hours in the air, LX38 is about to arrive in San Francisco, the heart of the Golden State. During the approach, everyone on the plane’s left side has a breathtaking view of the city and its iconic Golden Gate Bridge. So always choose a window seat to get the best possible inflight entertainment.
Defying Gravity
With take-off clearance granted, the Captain of LX188 throttles up the two giant GE90 engines of his Boeing 777. Roaring down runway 34 marks the beginning of their 9051km long journey to Shanghai, China. In mere moments, the 351-toned airliner will achieve the velocity needed to lift off into the clear blue skies.
Kalimera Santorini
Landing at the sun-kissed airport of Santorini, Greece, looks as spectacular as it is challenging. This becomes apparent as we make the final turn toward runway 33. This airport is located along the island's eastern shoreline, featuring a short and narrow runway that only offers straight-in approaches from the north. Yet, runway 33 is mainly used due to the prevailing northerly winds.
Seaside Summer Landing
Circumnavigating storm cells en route from Singapore to Zurich, we are treated to the captivating St. Elmo's Fire, a unique weather phenomenon. It is caused by the ionization of air molecules due to a strong electric field, creating a corona discharge of faint, glowing plasma. It is an eerie yet striking sight that is only visible at night and of no risk for the aircraft or its occupants.
Typically Swiss
The rush hour at Zurich Airport is in full swing, keeping the air traffic controllers busy landing a plane almost every minute. Nearby, cows graze in their favorite field. Might that be the reason they look so happy? While the grass may be green, we are sure that the view of aircraft landing and taking off must be the secret to their high-quality milk.
Dear London City Airport
As the name implies, LCY is located at the heart of the British metropolis and is categorized as a particularly challenging airport. Therefore, special training is required, allowing only the captain to be at controls. Not only do we face a steep approach angle of 5.5 degrees, but we also need to land on a short and narrow runway of only 30m in width and just 1508m in length.
Flying above the Alps
Flying in and out of Switzerland, two aerial gateways, Zurich and Geneva airports, frequently guide us over the Swiss Alps. This becomes especially rewarding when journeying southward or eastward, providing us with awe-inspiring vistas of the majestic Swiss Alps. Today, the sight of a company Airbus A321neo compliments the view as we follow the southerly arrival route into ZRH.
Guided by the Lights
Airbus A220 is about to touch down at Zurich Airport. Following air traffic control's initial guidance, the aircraft transitions to ground-based radio or GPS signals for precise runway alignment. As most landings are executed manually, visual cues, especially runway and approach lights, become crucial, ensuring a precise touchdown, especially during nighttime landings.
Santa's New Sleigh
In a mix of tradition and innovation, this Airbus A320neo, adorned with a vibrant red nose, takes to the skies as Santa's new Sleigh spreads Christmas cheer across Europe. Gliding effortlessly through the winter skies, delivering gifts and holiday spirit to wherever it flies. As it gracefully soars the skies, one can almost hear Santa's hearty "Ho ho ho!" echoing through the cockpit.
Get your copy today
Did you enjoy these impressions from my daily life as an airline pilot? Head over to my shop to get your copy today.
It might sound early bu: It is this time of the year again!
I have to admit, that I am quoting a famous movie where they say, "same procedure as every year!"...well here we go again:
Welcome to a look behind the scenes of my latest photo calendar, which will soon be available for pre-order.
For many of us, flying has become ordinary. Fortunately, it still inspires many of us and creates lots of emotions. May it be the excitement to travel to a far distant place, or the joy to soar above the clouds and watch the world pass by underneath, or last but not least, the thrill it creates if the airways are a bit bumpier than expected. What does flying mean to you?
My daily life in the flight deck takes me above the clouds and across the globe. One of my constant travel companions is my camera. I have carefully curated some of my favorite views and would like to share the most extraordinary and awe-inspiring moments in this calendar with you. I am glad to have you join me on the flight deck or the airport's tarmac and experience the beauty of flight from a pilot's perspective. For more insights into my daily adventures above the clouds, make sure to follow my Instagram account «@sky_trotter» and read my blog.
I want to take this opportunity to thank all involved in making this project possible. A special appreciation goes out to my fellow pilots, internal departments for their 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.
I am honored that my creative work was selected as a winner at the International Photography Awards 2018.
Because we care
I am very proud to inform you that you support a cause for good by purchasing this photo calendar. For every copy sold, I donate CHF 5.- to the children's foundation of the SWISS employees (Stiftung Kinderhilfe des SWISS Personals). Visit their website for further information. Thank you very much for your support.
This project is produced entirely in Switzerland and promotes an effort for the global climate issue. All arising CO2 emissions are compensated by donations towards projects of MyClimate, making this project carbon neutral. From wood processing to the finished print, the production takes place per FSC-standards. Therefore, the used paper originates from environmentally-friendly and socially acceptable managed forests.
Let's take a closer look.
Read the picture description down below. These are the pictures of my 2023 photo calendar with some very different insights into my daily life as an airline pilot. Head over to my shop to get your copy today. Click here to get to the store>
Golden Hour Roar
Certainly a particular impressive vantage point of this Boeing B777 kissed by the morning sun rays. Unlike its sibling in the background, this behemoth airliner stays firmly on the ground while undergoing a maintenance visit. The mechanics and engineers thoroughly test its systems before signing it off to go airborne again. They include a so-called high-power run-up where they throttle up the two mighty GE90 engines to gain the confidence that they are good to go too.
Riding the Galactic Storm
The night sky can be home to some of the most beautiful natural phenomena. This evening, the crew and passengers on board LX39 from San Francisco to Zurich are greeted by jaw-dropping Aurora Borealis. As they soar above the Canadian Arctic, a Boeing 787 bound for London overtakes them while the Northern Lights dance in the blistering cold night sky above. A unique sight that certainly illustrates the magic of flying.
Welcome to Switzerland
On clear days we greet our passengers with stunning inflight entertainment. We get offered some spectacular sights, especially when flying in from the south as we cross the Alps. It usually includes a fabulous view of Helvetia's most iconic mountain, the Matterhorn. The backdrop of the Southern Alps complimented with the country's flag adorning this Airbus A320's sharklet gifts passengers with a memorable souvenir.
Last Days of Winter
Despite the winter season ending, the cold nights still regularly cover the airplanes with a thin layer of frost, keeping the de-icing crews busy during the early morning rush hour. Before departure, the airliners queue up for their “spa treatment” at Zurich airport. During this procedure, a perfectly orchestrated ballet of the ground handling vehicles bustles around the aircraft. A spectacle on its own for everyone onboard and any external observers, with a sole purpose: Flight safety.
Perfectly established
After breezing through European skies, this A220 is about to touch down at Zurich Airport. While their passengers enjoy a magical sunset, the pilots perform a satellite-based approach onto runway 28. Advanced onboard technology allows them to maneuver their airliner with the utmost accuracy without needing any ground-based equipment. Thanks to this latest technology, maintenance-intensive navigation equipment at the airport are about to become a thing of the past and help reduce operating costs while keeping the highest safety standards.
Love is in the Air
The blossoming fields offer a colorful welcome as LX9 is about to land at Zurich Airport. Some eight hours ago, LX9 lifted off from Chicago O'Hare, one of the busiest airports in the world. On its final approach, this Airbus A340 cuts through the last patch of mist above a flowery field and draws a short-lasting spectacle into the morning sky. The otherwise invisible wakes are caused by the difference in pressure around the wings. They form two counter-rotating vortices trailing behind the aircraft.
Mesmerizing Sunset
The HUD or Head Up Display is a great way to keep eyes on what is happening outside while monitoring the aircraft's parameters. The crew of this A220 aims to pass over a cluster of dissipating thunderstorm clouds ahead by climbing to 36'000 ft. These beautiful clouds are characterized by a trail of precipitation falling from their underside but evaporating before reaching the earth's surface. Together with a colorful sunset, they create a mesmerizing scene en route to Oslo, Norway.
Seaside Summer Landing
We are on a spectacular approach to one of Greece's most popular holiday destinations: Corfu. An island in the Ionian Sea known for its cosmopolitan Old Town, stunning sandy beaches, and beautiful landscapes. In a few moments, we will be touching down on runway 34, and our passengers will enjoy the warm Mediterranean temperatures as they prepare to set their watches to holiday time.
Happy Birthday, Switzerland
The magic of flight is even greater when shared. During the 2014 Payerne Air14 display, this A330 is soaring above the rolling green hills of Western Switzerland as it is about to greet the crowds with a stunning set of low-altitude maneuvers. And the pilots of this long-haul airliner brought some friends along. The six F-5 Tiger fighter aircraft of the famous Patrouille Suisse a perfectly lined-up and ready to create a unique, Swiss-made spectacle.
Greeted by Greenery
As this A220 is on its final approach to Zurich Airport, the dawning of autumn is starting to be visible to the flight crew. Amongst the green forests, a few trees begin to adorn their warm autumn-like colors and give a taste of what the landscape will turn into within a few weeks. Such is the beauty of such an office view: witnessing the constant changing of the seasons and weather from above.
Colorful Touch Down
Autumn is well and truly here as the pilots of this A320Neo perform a perfect landing right on the runway touchdown markings during the most colorful of seasons. The patchwork-colored forests adjacent to Zurich's runway 14 make for a colorful backdrop for the landing of this brand new Airbus. One can recognize it thanks to its larger engines, sharklets, and black contour-painted cockpit.
Winter is coming
Flying home from southwestern Europe, we are greeted by the beautiful night-lit landscape of eastern Switzerland and neighboring France. The rays of tonight's full moon beacon down on Lake Leman and the first patches of snow on the Alps and Jura mountaintops. Straight ahead, the bright city lights of Geneva mark the west tip of Switzerland. Home to the country's second-largest airport and well-known for being very international by hosting countless international missions, banks, and non-governmental organizations.
Merry Christmas, Aviators!
Nothing says Christmas more than coming together with loved ones, Christmas trees, presents, and Glühwein. Well, almost.
In the middle of a winter's night, great teamwork, Swiss precision, and 417 light bulbs made a fantasy come true on the tarmac at Zurich airport. With the magic of light and an Airbus A321, they undoubtedly found an elegant yet unique way to wish all crew, passengers, and aviation enthusiasts happy end-of-year celebrations.
Get your copy today
Did you enjoy these impressions from my daily life as an airline pilot? Head over to my shop to get your copy today.
It is this time of the year again!
Quoting a famous movie, they say, "same procedure as every year!"
Welcome to a look behind the scenes of my latest photo calendar, which is now available to pre-order.
For many of us, flying has become ordinary. Fortunately, it still inspires many of us and creates lots of emotions. May it be the excitement to travel to a far distant place, or the joy to soar above the clouds and watch the world pass by underneath, or last but not least, the thrill it creates if the airways are a bit bumpier than expected. What does flying mean to you?
My daily life in the flight deck takes me above the clouds and across the globe. One of my constant travel companions is my camera. I have carefully curated some of my favorite views and would like to share the most extraordinary and awe-inspiring moments in this calendar with you. I am glad to have you join me on the flight deck or the airport's tarmac and experience the beauty of flight from a pilot's perspective. For more insights into my daily adventures above the clouds, make sure to follow my Instagram account «@sky_trotter» and read my blog.
I want to take this opportunity to thank all involved in making this project possible. A special appreciation goes out to my fellow pilots, internal departments for their 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.
I am honored that my creative work was selected as a winner at the International Photography Awards 2018.
Because we care
I am very proud to inform you that you support a cause for good by purchasing this photo calendar. For every copy sold, I donate CHF 5.- to the children's foundation of the SWISS employees (Stiftung Kinderhilfe des SWISS Personals). Visit their website for further information. Thank you very much for your support.
This project is produced entirely in Switzerland and promotes an effort for the global climate issue. All arising CO2 emissions are compensated by donations towards projects of MyClimate, making this project carbon neutral. From wood processing to the finished print, the production takes place per FSC-standards. Therefore, the used paper originates from environmentally-friendly and socially acceptable managed forests.
Let's take a closer look.
Read the picture description down below. These are the pictures of my 2020 photo calendar with some very different insights into my daily life as an airline pilot. Head over to my shop to get your copy today. Click here to get to the store>
Colorful Sunrise
An early morning departure from Zurich takes us above the sea of fog and along the Swiss Alps. In a few moments, the first warm rays of the rising sun will illuminate the magnificent peaks and turn the faint morning sky into a colorful spectacle as we are passing by mount Säntis with the Bernina mountain range adorning the horizon.
Winter is Here
We are seconds from touching down on runway 14 at Zurich Airport after a 10-hour transatlantic journey home from Los Angeles. A thick layer of powder from the recent snowstorm has covered Switzerland and is keeping the ground crew busy. They have been tirelessly clearing the runways, taxiways, and aprons to keep us flying.
Winter Serenity
A picture-perfect winter wonderland welcomes this Airbus 340 as it is precisely established on final approach on the longest runway at Zurich Airport. The 3500-meter long runway 16 is generally used for long-haul departures. However, due to the recent snowfall, the landing runways are alternated in order to allow them to be cleared of the snow contamination.
Bonsoir Genève
“Geneva Tower Bonsoir, Swiss Two-Two-Zero-One, established ILS04”, we are about to receive our landing clearance as we are passing over the glistening lights of one of Geneva’s industrial zone after the flight crew after a 3-hour flight from Marrakech. The airport sits on the border with France and is well known for its scenic views of the Jura and Mont Blanc.
Spring Landing
After the winter season, nature is clearly regaining its colors. The vantage point from the cockpit gives us a prime view on one of nature’s spectacles: a bright rainbow lighting up the sky over Zurich’s suburbs. We are perfectly aligned to runway 28 which is usually used for the evening arrivals and whenever strong westerly winds prevail and offers a steeper approach due to the underlying terrain.
Simplicity is Plane Love
Pilots usually park with the guidance of an electronic parking system. Whenever it is unavailable, the aircraft gets marshaled into its parking position. The crew of this Airbus 320 at Zurich Airport during the late blue hour is welcomed with a bit of ground crew love, ending their 1500km long journey home from Stockholm Arlanda.
The approach into Corfu is one to behold. After landing on runway 17, pilots have to turn around and backtrack to reach the terminal, as there is no taxiway running its entire length. After disembarking from the aircraft, one is met by the beautiful scent of the Ionian Islands and greeted by the famous Mediterranean hospitality on this beautiful Greek island.
Into the Sunset
A short hop across the Alps takes us to Nice Côte d'Azur Airport. While being scenically located directly on the waterfront of the French Riviera, the approach is not only stunning but challenging too. Whenever the weather permits, aircraft are flown above water before making one final turn to align with the runway to minimize noise over the densely populated coastline.
Great for the Environment
After a two-hour flight from Lisbon, Portugal, LX2083 is about to land at Zurich Airport. The Airbus A320neo is not only one of the most popular airliners, but its latest version of engines also makes it one of the most efficient ones. Thanks to its improved aerodynamics and new propulsion technology, it is much quieter than comparable aircraft of the previous generation and emits nearly 15% less CO2.
Day's End over the Horizon
The sun has just set as we are cruising along the Adriatic coastline. After a hot summer’s day, an area of intense thunderstorms spreads across northern Italy. Circumnavigating around these so-called squall lines is one of this season's daily challenges but does reward the eye with a spectacle to behold.
First Snow of the Season
As we descend into Zurich airport, we get treated to a spectacular view of the freshly fallen snow covering the Swiss Alps from a passing cold front. The first snow of the has covered all the summits visible from our aircraft: The Matterhorn, Mont-Blanc as well as the famous Bernese peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
Foggy Morning
A Boing 777 cuts through the ground fog at Zurich Airport, creating some impressive vapour trails. Most of the time, pilots manually fly the landing, except in low-visibility conditions like these. Thanks to sophisticated autopilots, most modern airliners can land in as little as 75 meters of visibility. Needless to say that this relies on technically advanced systems onboard and on the ground in addition to extensive crew training.
Christmas Homecoming
Our passion is to fly our guests around the globe to make them be with their loved ones. As flight crews, we are out and about all 365 days of the year. This sometimes means that we are up in the sky even during Christmas and far away from our loved ones, making us cherish the moments we have at home even more.
Get your copy today
Did you enjoy these impressions from my daily life as an airline pilot? Head over to my shop to get your copy today.
Most of the time, pilots fly the landing manually, except in low-visibility conditions, as seen here aboard this Airbus A220, seconds from the touchdown at Munich Airport. The pilots are fully focused on monitoring the autopilot, and the aircraft systems, as the airplane is about to perform an automatic landing in as little as 200m visibility.
Thankfully flying is an outdoor activity that allows us to witness breathtaking weather phenomenon from a unique vantage point. Luckily, my home base Zurich Airport is located within the moderate latitudes, offering the chance to see all the beauty the four seasons have to offer. But with the beauty come some challenges too: Winter calls for contaminated runways and lengthy de-icing, spring and fall often have far-reaching blankets of thick fog in store for us. Generally, flying within these conditions is safe as long as we follow the supplementary procedures closely. Still, it's fair to say that they create an additional workload for all involved too.
Without diving too deep into technical facts and operational regulations, an airliner can generally be manually landed (flown by the pilot) with a visibility of 550m or more. We can distinguish today's approach types between precision and non-precision approaches. They differentiate mainly by the technology involved. A Non-Precision Approach is based on two-dimensional guidance, while a precision approach is three-dimensional. The recent years have brought a giant leap forward in technology, and navigation tends more and more towards satellite-based navigation. However, all current approach types of operating in low visibility conditions are still ground-based. The most common one is the ILS or instrument landing system. Its lateral and vertical radio signals guide the aircraft from a defined final approach point (FAP) to the runway.
Depending on the installed components and level of certification, an approach gets assigned a particular approach category. The most basic one for an ILS is a CAT1 (requiring 550m visibility or more), and the most advanced one, CAT3c, allows a landing with no visibility at all. As the latter needs significantly constricting back-up systems and comprehensive calibration and certification, no airport has implemented it to my knowledge. And from a practical standpoint, where would you go once you land in zero visibility and stop your aircraft on the runway if you can't see anything? Even if there's a follow-me vehicle to guide you, none of you can see each other to understand which way to take. As a result, you'll be stuck on the runway until and unless the visibility improves. Therefore most bigger airports offer CAT3b approaches that require visibility of at least 75m. It is essential to understand that one needs to distinguish between an automatic landing and low visibility procedures. While the latter is something the concerns operational and procedural aspects on the ground and in the airplane, the first one is purely a matter of installed technology on the aircraft.
Simply put, we could automatically land (let the autopilot do the work) on many runways (of course still with some restrictions) with at least a CAT2 ILS installed as long as all the required airplane systems are functional. But once the visibility reduces below 550m, things start to get complicated. Now the so-called "low visibility procedures" are in force (called-out by the airport/air traffic control), putting a whole set of regulations and requirements in place. They include technical aspects of the ground equipment (a malfunction of individual runway lights or transmitters could cause a downgrade). The aircraft systems require all involved parties (pilots and air traffic controllers) to be trained qualified for the specific level. And above all, the pilot's low-visibility operation is exclusively performed in Command (Of course, with the autopilot engaged).
To put it into a nutshell: Flying in foggy weather is safe but certainly very complex and requires a thorough preparation in the flight deck.
A new day dawns on the horizon as we fly east above the lake of Constance, preparing our approach to runway 26R at Munich Airport. A little over an hour back, we started duty in Geneva and reviewed the briefing package. This pile of information tells us, pilots, what the upcoming day might have in store for us. The information cover weather aspects, just as much as operational information about the assigned aircraft or the airport we will operate from or to and is coded into an aviation-slang that originates back in the day when the communication technology was far from digital. We streak-through the briefing package in a pre-defined order looking for extra-ordinary facts and condensate them into specials and hazards. At first, this might sound "critical," but it is our approach to distinguish between the ordinary and those factors that might call for extra attention. While neither the aircraft nor the airports have any significant deficiencies, the Munich Airport weather forecast predicts thick fog in the morning. We expect that there will be so-called "low visibility procedures" in force calling for a reduced traffic flow rate.
Flying in such reduced visibility is among the primary things we train in every simulator session, while it is rather seldom in real life. It is the moment the autopilot takes over for the landing, and we pilots become spectators in a very complex system.
The thick layer of fog only covers the ground, making it is surreal to slowly descend into this sea of clouds knowing that we are only a few hundred meters above the ground. "Five hundred", the radio altimeter calls out our height above the ground. A few moments ago, we were cleared to land, and we received the final information about the current visibility. It is just over 250m along the whole runway.
Both pilots continuously monitor the systems and navigation indications. Any excessive deviation (could be caused by another airplane taxiing too close to the runway) or a technical deficiency would require a Go-Around. As almost all landings are manually flown, it takes some time to get used to that feeling of "handing over control" to the autopilot. We are diving into the fog, and soon the system will call out "Approaching minimums" as we are coming over the runway. I start to see some faint lights ahead. They gradually become more intense, and I can associate them with the runway light system. To proceed with the landing, I need to acquire specific visual cues. In the case of a CAT3a approach, at least three consecutive lights of the touchdown zone light, the runway edge lights, the runway centerline lights, or the combination thereof. Please take a look at the picture above and try it yourself. "Minimums" - What's your verdict? Are we allowed to land?
About "Behind the Image"
In my photo calendar "Up in the Sky" I get to share my favorite aviation pictures with you. This blog series will complement the product and will tell the story about the moment the picture was taken. It will also share comprehensive information about what happend on the flight deck.
The Lauberhorn Ski Race is the longest downhill run of the World Cup circuit and Switzerland's biggest annual winter sports event. As an established attraction, the Patrouille Suisse, Swiss Air Forces aerobatic demonstration team, performs a spectacular airshow set against the breathtaking alpine backdrop, often joined by an airliner.
Have you ever imagined how it must feel like to precisely navigate between the tight gates while racing down a steep, icy slope at up to 150km/h? Surely the adrenaline levels spike at times of slight irregularities, but maybe that's just the needed satisfaction for those doing it. A ski racer has quite a lot in common with an airline pilot: Everything boils down to a short period of absolute focus and skills, where failure is not an option. While both need an excellent team in the background, paving their path to success, their preparation needs to be meticulous. That couldn't be any more true as for the crews of the display pilots of the flights at the Lauberhorn Ski Race, and I had the privilege to accompany them on several occasions and document the extraordinary flights.
After countless hours of planning and briefing, individual preparation, and joint simulator sessions, they are ready for the real flight. The F5E Tiger pilots are certainly "within" their comfort zone while performing such a display flight with an airliner is not only a career highlight but a big challenge too. Imagine flying a closely clocked program in an airliner within an arena of 3500m high peaks that probably create the most spectacular scenery in the Alps while being trailed by six fighter jets in tight formation at up to 400km/h. I would say everything needs to be flawless, and just as for the ski racer: Errors are not an option.
We fly somewhere over rural Switzerland just north of the Alps and wait until we get joined by the Patrouille Suisse. It was an exciting experience to watch my colleagues prepare for today's flight. They are excited yet fully focussed and know the display program by heart. Soon the fighter jets join us, and after a couple of sweeping turns to get in the flow, we start to head for the Lauberhorn venue. While the past days offered some dull and grey weather, they also made sure the Alps were freshly-powdered. On the race day, a perfect winter wonderland awaits us, and the stage was set for a successful ski race and a breathtaking display flight in front of thousands of spectators on the ground.
The Alps never cease to take our breath away and cast a spell on many of us. Those routes that take me across the rugged peaks and twisted valleys are among my favorite ones, and I call it a vast privilege to have such beautiful scenery just at my doorstep. Flights in and out of Zurich or Geneva offer stunning sights, and even for us "frequent flyer" flying the "scenic" routes amazes us over and over again. But flying so close to those peaks and feeling the perfect line we were flying certainly got me some tears of joy in the eyes. We zoomed across spectacular ridges, and freshly powdered treelines climbed along the race tracks and did tight turns in front of the famous mountain formation "Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau." It was a blast to feel the pilots' precision and skills and see the pictures shot from the ground; I am confident the spectators certainly felt the same way. Inbetween our fly-pasts, the Patrouille Suisse performed their program before joining us again for a final flyby. It was time to hand the flag over to the ski racers and heading back to our bases. And the show continued as the Swiss ski racers certainly didn't fail to amaze by securing the victory at one of the most challenging and longest downhill ski race in the world cup circus.
Back in 2015 I got the chance to create and tell the story about the similarities of the ski racers and the display pilots.
About "Behind the Image"
In my photo calendar "Up in the Sky" I get to share my favorite aviation pictures with you. This blog series will complement the product and will tell the story about the moment the picture was taken. It will also share comprehensive information about what happend on the flight deck.