My Shortest and Coolest Flight Ever: JFK-LGA (pics)

First, I am sorry if any of this comes across as bragging, but who else can I share this kind of experience with? I've already been laughed at in the office.

Today, I got to fly on a repositioning ferry flight from JFK-LGA. I did a LOT of unique flying last year, and when I switched to my office position as opposed to the road, one thing I wished I was able to do was to fly between JFK and LGA. Doing this was one of my big goals as a flying enthusiast.

Many of us here have looked up these occasional ferry flights from American or whomever and looked at the short flight times and the routes for two airports that are only 9 miles apart. I didn't know what to expect for myself, as runway configurations can send the plane in any direction.

The flight started off here at Hardstand 61 at JFK's Terminal 4 on one of our 757-200s (view from my plane, I know that a 737).

http://www.nycaviation.com/hosting/JFK_012308.jpg

We took off on 31L. With only 4 people total on the aircraft, we were airborne well before the threshold. Our left bank once we were climbing brought us over Brooklyn, where I actually got to snap a pic of the Concorde at Floyd Bennett (my pics were taken with a point and shoot, please go easy on me).

http://www.nycaviation.com/hosting/JFK_Conc1_012308.jpg

We continued down to the tip of Brooklyn, turned around and made our way northeast to get in line for ILS 22 at LGA. The sun was low and it was just gorgeous getting to see the city.

http://www.nycaviation.com/hosting/Manhattan_012308.jpg

That is where we reached our maximum altitude of 4,000ft. I was hoping for better runway configs, and was almost disappointed flying over LGA like that.

http://www.nycaviation.com/hosting/L...iew_012308.jpg

We lined up for 22 and landed in a decent amount of crosswind....right into the blinding sunset. I'd show a pic, but it's all white from the sun. haha

This is our route:

http://www.nycaviation.com/hosting/jfklgasmall.gif

It was only 26 minutes, longer than I thought, but a great experience. I am glad I work for the company that I work for. The airline industry can be rough for people, but my company looks out for its employees.

Here's the rare site itself:

http://www.nycaviation.com/hosting/N...LGA_012308.jpg

Thanks for letting me share this experience with you all.

Awesome Bro! I know how much that meant to you. What a great experience!

SWEET!!!!!! Congrats.....and for getting paid while doing it!!!! :borat:

DAMN....ok..anyone that isn't jealous....raise their hand...LOL..Great experience Phil!!

[Edit] Working from home today, I was listening to the live feed this afternoon - I remember hearing North American 900 now - somwhere around the time of the Shamrock 111 arrival...

Great Pics Phil Thanks for the coverage.

Here's what it looked like from Howard Beach - Phil's not kidding when he said they were off before the threshold!

http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/246651484-L.jpg

http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/246651464-L.jpg

http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/246651513-L.jpg

Nice shots Moose! Now - if someone caught it landing at LGA - that would make a great story - take off to landing...

Great report and rare experience Phil, glad you where able to participate. And even with the point and shoot the low light ramp shot with the LGA FAA Tower in the background ROCKS and is probably a first !

Cheers

LGA777

Moose you're the man!!! I wish I knew you were out there, I'd have tried to get a better view for you.

Thank for the comments guys. A great way to experience my favorite airport (LGA).

Phil, I tried to get you guys a few more minutes of flight time, but NavTech wouldn't let me! You guys actually reached Top of Climb and Top of Decent before you even hit your one and only waypoint (Deer Park). By the way, I defended you to the hecklers in the office!

Very awesome Phil! Lucky you!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by NYCMedic

Phil, I tried to get you guys a few more minutes of flight time, but NavTech wouldn't let me! You guys actually reached Top of Climb and Top of Decent before you even hit your one and only waypoint (Deer Park). By the way, I defended you to the hecklers in the office!

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No, no, no! I wanted a SHORTER flight time! haha. You shoulda called LGA Tower and got special runway 31 permission!

Thanks ofr posting it Phil. I think it was EXTREMLY COOL, on so many levels!!!


Just how many NY City commuters can say they took the MTA subway and bus into work and took the plane home?! You are truly in a club of rare individuals.

Seven Day Weekly Metrocard $24
#3 Meal at McDonalds in T1 for lunch $6.79
Riding a 757 Jumpseat home from work $ PRICELESS

LGA777

LOL...good one Ron!

that's an awesome trip bro, wish i could have made it out there to see you but today was my day off and i had school. it would have raised more than a few eyebrows if i walked in to work and borrowed a van for the ride down to AAL...

glad you enjoyed it! was this your first venture to our side of 4/22?

Very cool trip Phil and great weather to go along with it. You guys operating a charter flight I imagine?

Bill

What a unique experience. I am bit surprised at how long the time it took to cover the distance. I think I can drive from JFK to LGA using the same amount of time when traffic is not busy, like 7 am on a weekend. :D

Phil, awesome report.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JZ1

What a unique experience. I am bit surprised at how long the time it took to cover the distance. I think I can drive from JFK to LGA using the same amount of time when traffic is not busy, like 7 am on a weekend. :D

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I'm actually kinda curious about the flight time...it was pretty much a worst-case scenario with regard to distance. If you took off from 22R at JFK and landed 31 at LGA, or took off from 31L at JFK and landed on 4 at LGA, would that shorten the flight time?

Thanks, guys.

Yes, that would have shortened it, but the winds were not in our favor.

Phil... enjoyed the nice "short trip" report! Great that you shared it with us.

i know how you feel,i finally got to fly into LGA back in Nov., now i am complete.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MarkLawrence

Nice shots Moose! Now - if someone caught it landing at LGA - that would make a great story - take off to landing...

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grrrrrr!!!! too bad I never made it to my spotting area in Soundview to catch the NAA ferry flight to LGAs rwy 22 since im usually there...

I'm really jealous, I'll have to try that one day !!!!