Skip to content

These pilots asked for a once-in-a-lifetime flight over NYC — and air traffic controllers granted it

April 19, 2020
4 min read
These pilots asked for a once-in-a-lifetime flight over NYC — and air traffic controllers granted it
This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.

The coronavirus pandemic is leading to lots of interesting flights across the world. We're seeing airlines fly their longest flights ever to countries they've never flown to before to repatriate citizens stranded abroad.

Here in America, airlines are responding to the near-zero demand for travel by greatly reducing flight schedules. Some, like Alaska, are even redrawing their route maps to include "tag" flights that help the carrier consolidate its routes.

But while passenger flights may be significantly scaled back, cargo operations are busier than ever. Aside from dedicated cargo carriers, traditional airlines are also flying cargo-only flights using passenger jets. But even still, the nationwide airspace is seeing a drastic reduction in the number of flights overhead.

That's especially true for my home of New York City. All major airlines have drastically reduced service to the New York area, and some have even temporarily halted operations completely. So, these days, when I hear a jet flying overhead, it's news to me. I'll then pull up FlightRadar24 and figure out where it's going, most likely to some cargo hub city like Anchorage, Alaska or Louisville, Kentucky.

This past Thursday, however, attentive New Yorkers heard an engine roar at around 2 p.m. that sounded much different from others. It was a low flying jet taking the scenic route directly over midtown Manhattan!

As noticed by Joseph Tar Schmidt on Twitter, it was a FedEx MD-11F freighter on its way to Portland with flight number FedEx 3034. The plane departed from Newark's runway 22R before making a sharp left turn to head over Manhattan. It passed over Governors Island with a great view of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island just moments after takeoff. It then continued up Manhattan, practically paralleling Broadway before turning left from the island just west of Columbus Circle.

Map courtesy of FlightRadar24 and Google
Map courtesy of FlightRadar24 and Google

Throughout the flyover, the jet was flying at just around 2,800 feet, which sure made for some fantastic views throughout the first few minutes of the flight.

Aviation geeks like me (check out my Instagram for all my shots!) will be quick to note that these pilots were in for a treat. Not just with the amazing NYC views, but with the type of plane they were flying. You see, the MD-11F is unique in that it's got massive cockpit windows. This is often one of a pilot's favorite things about this aircraft type, as many have said that they miss the comfort of the MD-11 cockpit (the passenger version of the MD-11F is no longer in service).

FedEx MD-11F (Photo by Alberto Riva/The Points Guy)
FedEx MD-11F (Photo by Alberto Riva/The Points Guy)

So, how did these FedEx pilots score such an awesome flight path? Turns out, they asked nicely! As you can hear from the air traffic control (ATC) audio compiled by Twitter user Thenewarea51, the FedEx pilot asked for a flyover of New York City. And with practically no other air traffic over the New York City area, the controllers granted their request.

Sign up for our daily newsletter

Though the audio is a bit choppy, it paints a vivid picture of what was going on in the flight deck that Thursday afternoon. About midway through, we hear the pilot exclaim, "Wow, what a view." He then continues, "That's unbelievable. Thank you very much."

The transmission ends with a final thank you from the pilot: "Thank you very, very much again. Stay well." The FedEx jet then ascended to its cruising altitude and touched down hours later on the west coast.

And now, three days later, I'm still waiting for the pilots to share any pictures and videos they captured from their Manhattan flyover.

TPG featured card

NEW BENEFIT! TAKEOFF15!
TPG Editor‘s Rating
Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
3 / 5
Go to review

Rewards

1 - 3X points
3XEarn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
2XEarn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets.
1XEarn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.

Intro offer

Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles50,000 Bonus Miles
Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.

Annual Fee

$250

Recommended Credit

670-850
Excellent/Good
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Why We Chose It

Build your loyalty to Delta by applying for the carrier's mid-tier card option, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card. The annual fee is quickly recouped by the card's travel perks, such as an application credit to Global Entry or TSA Precheck, annual companion certificate and so much more. Plus you can fast-track to elite status simply through card spend.

Pros

  • Earn bonus Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) and an Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) waiver when you hit specific spending thresholds with your card within a calendar year
  • Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year
  • Statement credit for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee (up to $100)
  • First checked bag free

Cons

  • Doesn't make sense if you don't fly Delta
  • SkyMiles aren't the most valuable airline currency
  • Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
  • Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
  • Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights. Plus enjoy Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding and settle into your seat sooner.
  • New: Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
  • Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
  • Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
  • Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
  • Enjoy a per-visit rate of $50 per person for Card Members and up to two guests to enter the Delta Sky Club when traveling on a Delta flight.
  • Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
  • Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs up to two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • $250 Annual Fee.
  • Terms Apply.
  • See Rates & Fees
Apply for Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
TPG Editor‘s Rating
Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
3 / 5
Go to review

Rewards Rate

3XEarn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
2XEarn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets.
1XEarn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
  • Intro Offer
    Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.

    Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles
    50,000 Bonus Miles
  • Annual Fee

    $250
  • Recommended Credit
    Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

    670-850
    Excellent/Good

Why We Chose It

Build your loyalty to Delta by applying for the carrier's mid-tier card option, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card. The annual fee is quickly recouped by the card's travel perks, such as an application credit to Global Entry or TSA Precheck, annual companion certificate and so much more. Plus you can fast-track to elite status simply through card spend.

Pros

  • Earn bonus Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) and an Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) waiver when you hit specific spending thresholds with your card within a calendar year
  • Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year
  • Statement credit for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee (up to $100)
  • First checked bag free

Cons

  • Doesn't make sense if you don't fly Delta
  • SkyMiles aren't the most valuable airline currency
  • Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
  • Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
  • Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights. Plus enjoy Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding and settle into your seat sooner.
  • New: Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
  • Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
  • Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
  • Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
  • Enjoy a per-visit rate of $50 per person for Card Members and up to two guests to enter the Delta Sky Club when traveling on a Delta flight.
  • Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
  • Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs up to two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • $250 Annual Fee.
  • Terms Apply.
  • See Rates & Fees