Best of Aviation

Here we are flying southbound down the Hudson River looking west at the catskills mountains following a recent snowfall.

Another picture of the Catskills mountains in eastern New York state. This picture is focused on the highest peak in the region.

Northbound along the Hudson River, this picture provides a better perspective of the change in elevation from sea level to approximately 4500 feet.

Temperature inversions and poor visibility are not usually associated with winter, but here's a classic picture of these conditions after a recent snowfall. Notice that above the inversion the visibility is unrestricted.

A closeup of the Hudson River just south of Albany in winter.

Looking at the Hudson River closer to New York City. Note that the river is unfrozen here, but covered in ice and snow only 75 miles north.

Over hilly terrain with unrestricted visibilities during winter. Taken from 6000 feet.

As my crew partner taxiies out, I took a moment to snap a picture of a serene winter scene at an airport in northern New York state one winter.

The Williamsport, PA airport instrument approach brings aircraft very close to the ridgeline you can see here. The approach chart warns "2000 foot ridge 1.5 miles south of airport. Circling south of runway 9-27 Not Applicable". Not hard to see why.