Pilots' Bucket List: Scenic Routes You Need to Fly
Some flights are just different. The kind that leaves you staring out the window, in awe of what’s below. If you’re looking to live the Cirrus Life and add some unforgettable routes to your logbook, we’ve got you covered. Here are must-fly scenic routes that belong on every pilot’s bucket list.
The Hudson River Corridor - NYC from Above
Few flights are as breathtaking or as accessible as the Hudson River Corridor. Depart from New Jersey and fly south along the river to enjoy a front-row seat to the Manhattan skyline. On your left, the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center dominate the view, while the Statue of Liberty stands just off your right wing. It’s a bucket-list flight that blends airspace precision with pure sightseeing magic.
The Grand Canyon - A Flight Through Time
A commercial tour won’t do it justice! Seeing the Grand Canyon from the cockpit is an entirely different experience. Whether you opt for the FAA-designated VFR corridors or explore the rim from a legal altitude, you’ll witness the canyon’s massive rock formations glowing in reds and oranges. Sunrise or sunset flights amplify the effect, making for an unforgettable journey over one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders.
The Florida Keys - Island Hopping Over Turquoise Waters
Flying the Overseas Highway from Miami to Key West is like stepping into a postcard. Take off from Miami, follow the shimmering blue coastline past Marathon, and touch down in Key West for a fresh seafood feast. With water as clear as glass and tiny islands dotting the ocean below, this route is a dream for pilots who love coastal flying.
California’s Big Sur Coastline - Where Cliffs Meet the Pacific
Cruising along California’s Highway 1 from the air offers a jaw-dropping perspective of the rugged cliffs and crashing waves below. Depart from Monterey or San Luis Obispo and track the coastline south. Along the way, spot McWay Falls plunging into the ocean, the winding Bixby Bridge, and endless Pacific horizons. If you’re lucky, you might even catch migrating whales from the air.
Alaska’s Denali National Park - Glacier Flying at Its Best
Alaska offers some of the most challenging and rewarding flying in the U.S., and Denali National Park is the crown jewel. From Talkeetna, fly toward North America’s tallest peak, weaving through valleys carved by ancient glaciers. If you’re flying a Cirrus with P6 Aviation, your G1000 avionics will be your best friend in navigating the unpredictable mountain weather.
The Outer Banks, NC - Wright Brothers’ Legacy in View
This is where powered flight began, and every pilot should experience the Outer Banks from the air at least once. Take off from Dare County Regional Airport and fly over the barrier islands, where shifting sands and rolling waves create an ever-changing landscape. Make a stop at First Flight Airport (KFFA) in Kill Devil Hills, home to the Wright Brothers National Memorial, for the ultimate aviation pilgrimage.
The Rockies - A High-Altitude Challenge
Mountain flying demands respect, and the Rockies provide an unforgettable proving ground. A route through Colorado, Wyoming, or Montana puts you face-to-face with towering peaks, alpine lakes, and deep valleys. For an added challenge, test your high-altitude takeoff and landing skills at Leadville Airport (KLXV), the highest-elevation public airport in North America.
Ready to Fly?
At P6 Aviation, we help pilots take on their bucket-list adventures in top-tier Cirrus aircraft. Whether you’re looking to build time, improve your mountain flying skills, or just see the world from a new perspective, we’ve got the fleet and the instructors to get you there.
Ready to live the Cirrus life? Contact us today.