Not just because of the torrential rains of today, but because of the news of a private plane crashing into a Manhattan building.
Until Gigi’s Papa arrived home this evening and told me about it, I had no idea why my website was getting so many hits with the keywords “VFR corridor” and “New York VFR corridor” and “Hudson River VFR corridor”. He turned on the TV and showed me the footage of the residential building in flames, and informed me that the plane belonged to a Yankees pitcher.
It seems one result of the incident is a renewed interest in the existence of the VFR corridor around New York City, a tunnel of airspace where small aircraft can fly over the Hudson River and part of the East River, affording the best views to be had of Manhattan. I’ve been fortunate enough to have flown this route with David twice — during the day in February last year, and two months later at night, in April.
Dave’s Logbook: Monday, February 07, 2005
Gail and Dave Take Manhattan (Again) (From the Air)
Photoset here.
Dave’s Logbook: Monday, April 11, 2005
Firefly, in a City of Lights
David’s photo set: Manhattan by night
This latest aviation tragedy happens to follow my weekend of flying in small aircraft once again, and a renewed desire to obtain a pilot’s license and one day fly myself through the VFR corridor. I can only hope once the time comes when I’ve got the knowledge and training to take this on, the corridor will remain open for GA aircraft and those of us who wish to experience the thrill of flying this airspace. I’ve read some political rumblings suggesting that the VFR corridors pose a security risk, and it would be a shame if the rumblings escalated to a total GA ban such as there is in the airspace around Washington, DC.
In other aviation-related news, check out some interior pics of the monstrous Airbus 380, the world’s largest passenger aircraft.
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