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Niagara falls from the air?

Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2014 5:39 pm
by Localizer
Hi,
I will be flying to Ohio, and thinking I may extend this trip to go to Niagara Falls and fly around them.

Is this at all possible to begin with? I know there's a restricted airspace above the falls. I m not planning to land in Canada, just want to swing by. Do I just talk to Buffalo, then to Toronto, and then back to Buffalo, or is this more involving? Probably place is filled with helicopters too...

Thanks,
Yuri

Re: Niagara falls from the air?

Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2014 8:33 pm
by carym
I have been over the falls a number of times. It is pretty easy, just talk with Buffalo and Toronto approach. I don't remember this being too busy with helicopters, but I guess I never flew low enough.

Re: Niagara falls from the air?

Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2014 9:15 pm
by Colin
On the VFR chart you,will see a racetrack path to fly and the frequency to talk to. You,get a clearance to do the VFR route over the Falls. Pretty easy, I did it a few years ago.


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Re: Niagara falls from the air?

Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2014 8:04 pm
by mdieter
I do this quite a bit. I don't have access to the diagram at work, but I'll post it when I get home. The diagram defines the clockwise oval pattern that you are expected to fly over the falls. You fly pattern at or above 3500 feet. It's pretty easy. I recommend that you contact Buffalo approach when you get close and tell them that you want to view the 'Scenic Falls' (if you say you want to go to Niagara Falls, they'll send you to IAG :D ) I usually say I want to do the loop at the scenic falls. They will clear you into the area and help with any other traffic. They may even give you vectors if they aren't busy and you want some help entering the area. Bring your camera! See my attached.

Re: Niagara falls from the air?

Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2014 8:53 pm
by mdieter
Here is the Scenic Niagara Falls procedure. I scanned this from the back of an AFD a few years ago, so the standard disclaimers:
  • :arrow: This procedure may have been updated. I cannot vouch for it's accuracy.
    :arrow: Your milage may vary
    :arrow: If you have an erection lasting more then 4 hours, god bless you.
Having said that, this is the basic pattern and altitude I do every time and I stay in contact with Buffalo approach. Enjoy!

Re: Niagara falls from the air?

Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2014 2:27 am
by Localizer
Thank you all for your input.
Yuri