LaGuardia Airport's BRAND NEW Approach!

I am fortunate that I was able to fly on a new approach to LaGuardia that honors former New York Mets players who played in Shea Stadium years ago. And the side of the plane that I sat on provides the best views. This video also includes viewpoints from the ground.
ATC Audio: www.liveatc.net

[@kellyheppleston7157]

There is an inexplicable sence of excitement of a plane turning and manoeuvring over a built up area and this is almost as good as Kai Tak. In my opinion that was the most exiting airport that has ever existed. I take nothing away from this approach both from the air and on the ground and as usual Peter you captured it perfectly. Thank you!

[@PeterMasella]

So well said! Thanks so much!

[@scottbridge9391]

Yes, I took off from Kai Tak back in 1993 for Tokyo. I remember that it had only ONE runway, and it was VERY close to the Kowloon CBD. I'm glad they built the new airport on one of the other islands. That one has 4 runways and ranks among having the fewest delays of any major airport in the world.

[@tsienj]

Wonderful videos and you've got the best explanations on LGA. I remember the days when Eastern L-1011 making the final to runway 31, many pedestrians on Main street would just stop and watch, almost like you were on the streets of Kowloon. Great job Peter!

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you! I remember the Delta and TWA L-1011s flying to LGA. A sight to behold!

[@rdbarne]

Yes I remember the DC-10's and L-1011's on final approach over the Bronx......and in the morning the loud 727's taking off at full power flying over my building...those were the days

[@tommyholzman6613]

I love how Peter always checks the wind direction to know which side of the plane to sit on.

[@PeterMasella]

It’s worth it!

[@margaretroselle8610]

Most interesting …… and wonderful night views of the Big Apple! Thanks.

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks for watching!

[@ChelseaUSA]

LGA was really thrilling when we had wide body commercial flights, DC10, L1011, A300, B767! Then it really feels like the KaiTak approach over Kowloon. Great and accessible narrative. Thank you for sharing!

[@PeterMasella]

I remember those days! I think last year Air Canada brought in a 767 but that was just a one off flight. Thanks for watching!

[@drstalliondrstallion3992]

Hey bro, thank you so very much for going the extra mile to explain this new approach procedure,only aviation geeks like us can appreciate everything that goes into this very complicated approach. Please, keep the videos coming.

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks so much. I love details! So much more to come!

[@johnkim8957]

Absolutely Brilliant, thanks for all you do❤️❤️

[@PeterMasella]

Many thanks!

[@CockpitScenes]

I just can't get over that there are fans out there for STARs. I first flew the Expressway Visual in 1979 on a 727. We didn't have RNAV and VNAV back then. Everything was just "seat-of-the-pants" and "stick and rudder". Just for personal satisfaction I would always try to time my turn to final to complete the turn as late as possible and roll out just before touchdown with a constant rate turn...

[@MsGeee]

So glad to have found your wonderful and informative videos. I live right at LGA and Shea. Great shout out to Danville, VA! HOPEFULLY they will soon re-open KDAN to commercial traffic once the new casino is finished!

[@PeterMasella]

Welcome to my channel!

[@cristianofranco2764]

FUTBL, PACHU, GACAR….Maselaaaaa !!! your videos are getting absolutely mega-pro ! Great views, amazing approach. Tks a lot ! Cheers from Brazil!!!!!!

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you so much Francooooooo! Greetings from the USA!

[@steveallman7581]

Your vids have gotten better and better , thanks for the great content, always amaze me!

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you so much! I appreciate that!

[@68dart]

Awesome , Thanks Peter

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks!

[@steini6771]

This video is so well produced that it should be of much interest to student pilots. Thank you so much Peter.

[@PeterMasella]

I appreciate that! Thank you!

[@bosunmate]

That was fantastic. I truly enjoy your videos. The commentary was excellent. Thank you. Looking forward to the next video already.

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks so much!

[@IPFreely1966]

Brilliant again Peter, thanks for sharing 👍

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you for watching!

[@shutterbugshirlstravels]

The lights of NYC are so beautifully at night! I also enjoyed the views from the ground of various aircraft coming in to land; my fav was the American Airlines 737 MAX. Thanks for another video with excellent photography! 🙂

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks! It was fun making this video!

[@MusicInMotionEnt]

Fantastic work Peter. This In-depth LaGuardia airport analysis is extremely cool as it is my favorite airport. Lotta great memories as a kid at LaGuardia

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks! It’s my favorite airport too! That’s why I’m so passionate about everything LaGuardia!

[@jjsifo1]

You put in a lot of effort on this video, it's great , thank you.

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks so much!

[@andrewpettola6097]

This video is brilliant! I enjoyed all of the great detail and explanations. Than you!

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks so much Andrew!

[@lawrencemilillo8309]

Great explanation of the Park Visual, Peter. Loved the ground videos of the arriving aircraft to RWY31! Beautiful video as usual, really enjoyed it! Thank you, and keep up the good work.

[@PeterMasella]

Many thanks! So much more to come!

[@doyline45]

Good job, thanks.

[@PeterMasella]

Many thanks, Tom!

[@ingoos]

Just gotta say that your videos are the best-better than the more popular ones! Keep up the great work.

[@PeterMasella]

I really appreciate that, Ted!

[@DevilCruz13]

Awesome videos. You even called out my hometown…Danville, Virginia!!!

[@PeterMasella]

Cool! Thanks for watching!

[@adventures385]

I came across one of your previous videos with the visual description of landing , and i havent looked back, i love your positivity tone and detailed explanations of places , peace from uk 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 👍🏻

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks so much!

[@RobJPhillips]

I grew up playing in that park in the ‘70s Really great job featuring the city, and the aviation so well! Thanks!! Liked and subscribed!

[@PeterMasella]

Cool. Thanks so much Robert, and welcome aboard!

[@billlauretti7963]

Awesome video, Peter! Adding the commentary from ground level really helped to clarify the approach. I grew up as a Mets fan in Queens in the '70s and '80s, and it's great to see some of those legendary players memorialized as aviation waypoints--who would have ever imagined that happening at the time!

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks Bill! It is pretty neat to have those names on the approach!

[@stuart72761]

Very Interesting & Informative. Thank you.

[@PeterMasella]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ajalbetjr]

Hey buddy, thanks to you I got to get this fantastic view just last might, returning from Orlando on Delta's DL1655 - THANKS!! 😀👍💪🔥🔥🔥 P.S - Listening to your explanation, now I understand why we had such a 'violent' landing lol!!

[@PeterMasella]

Awesome!

[@spaceghost4474]

Thanks for a GREAT video Peter! 👍👍👍 IMO this was your best one so far. It was flying and spotting, all in the same video. I enjoy watching on my TV and following the route with Google Earth on my tablet, so the in-flight location narrative really helps. I'm REALLY looking forward to your next LGA or JFK video!

[@PeterMasella]

Many thanks! Can't wait to share more with you!

[@hopedewitt9143]

-great video as always.

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you!

[@ellastanford45]

Once again great video Peter. You are definitely knowledgeable about all aspects of flying! Ellie

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks so much!

[@Oskar0424]

Been a long time since I've been to LGA and air travel in general, so thanks for bringing up memories. Cheers Peter

[@PeterMasella]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@michaelcoston6259]

31 approach always reminds me of a carrier trap, especially in gusty winds. Best aviation vids I've ever seen Peter!

[@PeterMasella]

31 is exciting! Thank you very much, Michael!

[@anthonyvallillo422]

Excellent video! Interesting that you include the view from the ground at the various points around the approach. I flew the Expressway visual approach several hundred times over the years that I was an airline pilot, and it was always one of the interesting ones - on par with the River Approach into DCA and the Canarsie approach (VOR 13L/R) into JFK. I imagine that this Park approach is being used more often than the Expressway (which is still a current approach into LGA) is because it is coded as an RNAV approach, with waypoints and probably (and more importantly) vertical guidance. That is to say, the pilot would have fairly precise lateral and vertical guidance on instruments in the cockpit all the way around the Park approach, whereas on the Expressway he or she would only have lateral guidance (by radio beam, specifically either the ILS 04 localizer or the LGA VOR) on the initial phase of the approach prior to following the LI Expressway. Both of the approaches appear to follow almost the exact same track over the ground (we used to fly pretty much directly over the LIE from the Maspeth Tanks to Flushing Meadow Park). With all of those waypoints it may even be possible to have the autopilot fly most of the approach, although few pilots would allow Otto to cheat them out of the fun of flying an approach like this!

[@PeterMasella]

Anthony. This makes a lot of sense! The Park Visual is used quite often nowadays. Thank you for watching!

[@billfeldman2127]

I remember reading that the loss of the Maspeth tanks several years ago made Expressway Visual a little more challenging, and that the subsequent loss of Shea Stadium also changed the visual reference points.

[@jedsum]

Wow what a ride!

[@PeterMasella]

Yes!

[@billbresson4663]

Another great video Peter 👍🏻👍🏻

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks Bill!

[@rajeevk.pathak771]

Another remarkable video, Peter ! Wow, you have taken troubles to get 'down-to-earth'--- literally! Your narration adds the human element and things just come alive with that! The formidable Manhattan buildings scintillating with the glimmer of their lighting, likewise elsewhere in the Big Apple, the light reflecting in the pellucid waters amid your lucid narration-- what a remarkable combo !!! Bravo !!! It is also commendable that you have always been wearing the mask, setting a good trend ! God Bless You for enlightening us all !!!

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you one again Rajeev! It is a gorgeous and exciting approach and I am so happy to share my experience with you and my viewers!

[@boblivingston4841]

I have flown the Express visual many times. Great explanation of the old and new approach to LGA.Great video

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks so much, Bob!

[@traceyray1831]

Awesome video

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks!

[@gerardmoran9560]

Great job Peter! I'm retired now so I don't expect I'll fly the new approach. I wonder if they created it to match the ground track most guys flew on the Expressway Visual. Almost everybody flew it wide, especially the final turn. Back in the late '70s or early '80s the FAA was fully computerizing the airspace system and all waypoints (formerly intersections) became 5 characters. As you know waypoints often reflect local points, local history, local personalities and in some cases the guy's wife's or kid's name. South of JFK waypoint SAWED used to be Seaweed, SARDI was Sardine. All of the old names had to become 5 characters. Some, however, seem to make no sense.

[@PeterMasella]

Cool! Thanks for watching!

[@lorifrederick2367]

That was some great footage. Thank you. Beautiful night flight. Where I live in Rochester NY, we are in the path of all flights coming from the west and ATL. The planes are about 2500 ft above us before the u-turn to land on 22. My fav is the FedEx plane, it is huge and seems to just float slowly above us. Plane spotting is fun.

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks for watching Lori! Plane spotting sure is fun!

[@gasaholic47]

I lived in Rochester for 14 years. Know exactly what you mean.

[@wotan10950]

I had lots of friends in Chili and Gates from my college days.

[@jfchonors8873]

I fly to Charlotte regularly and coming in to LGA last night we took what seemed to be the park approach but instead of the sharp turn into runway 31 we took a big turn over the Bronx and landed on runway 22. I was on the left side as well on a cold clear night - what a great approach it was

[@PeterMasella]

Sounds like you flew this approach: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5SaXnyCaLatd68

[@planepirate]

Pete, you do a great job of explaining how commercial aviation works. As a pilot I rarely notice any errors and your videos are entertaining and informative. Just one thing to point out, with modern airline flying we don't tune ATIS at major airports anymore. Both ATIS and clearance are received digitally on the flight management computer. Fun channel.

[@brmnyc]

Very impressive of you to compare this approach to Hong Kong. I had been to Hong Kong a few times (landed only at the new airport unfortunately) before I had ever visited downtown Flushing! But when I went to Flushing I couldn't believe how much it reminded me of Hong Kong. The low flying jets just add to that. Great video, I love your LGA videos.

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks so much! I can’t wait to fly this approach again....and go to flushing!

[@vernonsmithee792]

In the course of my flying career, I've done many spectacular arrivals, but the one that was always my favorite was going to EWR, early 80s in a Be-99 using the VFR corridor down the Hudson at or below 1100' past the WTC around the 85th to 90th floor. At night it was breathtaking.

[@PeterMasella]

Cool!

[@davidbaldwin2937]

Great job

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks!

[@davidbaldwin2937]

@@PeterMasella this may not be your expertise but can you make a video for people who have a fear of flying and any tips or tricks to relax!? Anything would be helpful because in 2023 I am flying to Budapest from RDU!! Looking forward to the trip but already anxious about the flight lol. Thanks and love your vids

[@PeterMasella]

@@davidbaldwin2937 David, that is a great idea and you’re not the only one who has asked! I’ll think about what I can do.

[@Majerly_Annoyed]

Very enjoyable video! And well explained. I've flown into NYC around 16 or 17 times for business and pleasure...usually JFK but a few times LGA. I have to say...when you get a view of Manhattan from a plane, at night...it is really is almost overwhelming. There is no better view than Manhattan at night! One thing that struck me odd was when the pilot responded to the taxi instructions with, "Copy all that." I have never heard a scenario when a pilot hasn't replied with a full repeat of the instructions.

[@PeterMasella]

LGA provides some amazing views! And this one is not as exciting as others!

[@d3kingg387]

This video is straight 🔥. I have 2 upcoming trips to LGA 👍

[@PeterMasella]

Cool! I hope you have great views!

[@HereforaMoment]

We just did this approach last week. I vlogged it and absolutely loved it. I was thinking how are we making this turn.Great video

[@PeterMasella]

Just watched your video! It's an awesome approach!

[@HereforaMoment]

@@PeterMasella Thank you so much. That means a lot.

[@jelisontejada1758]

Nice video 💪🏻💪🏻

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you 🙌

[@jakejacobs7584]

With that approach they can use the autopilot all the way to at least KEYTH. In my day flying the old 727's in there with only VOR's we used the EXPRESSWAY VIS we just had radials and DME for our crossing altitudes and it seems as though we were closer into the runway over the highway. With landing flaps extended in the turns the 72 had the sink rate of a Monument Valley boulder so you had to be careful. The old Canarsie 13L into JFK was a fun one in low weather with strong winds as well.

[@PeterMasella]

Things have changed so much!

[@joevalentine2048]

I hope you get to fly a daytime approach on park. Always enjoyable. I’m looking forward to my LGA flight this week.

[@PeterMasella]

Tomorrow’s video will be a daytime approach on the Park Visual!

[@joevalentine2048]

@@PeterMasella outstanding !!

[@Gartenriese87]

Great Video as usually Peter! Just bizarre to see you wearing the exact same Scotch&Soda Jacket that I have 😅

[@PeterMasella]

Ha ha! That is funny! Thanks for watching!

[@MaShcode]

We have friends that live under runway 4 near Astoria Blvd. There’s a strobe in the next yard. We live under the seldom used runway 13 approach in Manhattan. A point of interest near the bay approach is the old Flushing airport. It’s reported that Bianca Jagger was the last flight out when the airport was decommissioned in 1984. It’s now partially used as a park. Btw all car passengers must now wear a seatbelt in NY.

[@PeterMasella]

Cool!

[@perry968]

I flew into lga on Sunday. I followed what you said. Landed on runway 22. Flight was from msp. The route didn’t fly over the Hudson it flew over Manhattan but thank you for the tips

[@PeterMasella]

It looks like you might have been on one of the flights that doesn't follow the norm. I documented that in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIGwZnePoct7qMU

[@KyleLi]

Hey, there's my apartment at 17:17 haha I was wondering why I could never see it sitting on the right side on this approach, I didn't realize I was flying right above it so I had to sit on the left side.

[@PeterMasella]

Cool!

[@alk61695]

Wow, never knew that there were two approaches from that direction. I always thought it was just the Expressway approach.

[@PeterMasella]

There was only one until recently.

[@alk61695]

@@PeterMasella Ah okay. Seems like the new Park approach is a more wide turn since they are south of the LIE.

[@trainluvr]

I noticed that planes are now flying much closer to my home area around 71 Ave. and now I know why. I can now do plane spotting from my balcony and read the names. Yet there is no noise disturbance. I have to remember to sit on the right side to see my building.

[@PeterMasella]

cool!

[@sampowellmusic]

im only half way through because duty calls but that african art was really beautiful and im digging the flight so far!

[@PeterMasella]

😀

[@jasonlizotte4007]

Another great video with some amazing views. You do a wonderful job at balancing the information and various images from the sky and ground. During your flight do you follow on any specific app on your phone or listen to any of the ATC communications? Thank you again for sharing your trips with us. Stay safe and keep them coming.

[@PeterMasella]

Hi Jason. I do my analysis post flight and I use liveatc to get the audio.

[@stevencarsons1560]

Great video and explanations Peter. I loved the low alt left turn on the Expwy 31. Felt like the wingtip would touch the ground; are they phasing Expy 31 out? Are you recording the ATC.from Live ATC or another frequency? While on the plane? Do you visit the precise GPS coordinates of the fixes

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you Steven! I haven't seen the Expressway Visual being used much lately so I am assuming this is it's replacement. Yes, the ATC comes from liveatc (post flight). I visited the approximate coordinates of the fixes.

[@wdm1000]

Great video, full of analysis and detail. (I live between Atlanta and Athens Georgia, so you probably flew over my house on departure!) By the way, how is construction going at LGA?

[@PeterMasella]

Cool! Construction is progressing very quickly! I invite you to check out the videos on my channel that highlight the construction.

[@scottbridge9391]

Great video. I lived in NY during my teen years in the 1970s and lived in Flushing for 2 years, so I"m familiar with the different approaches to LGA. Of the 3 major NY airports, LGA wins hands down for having the best views taking off and landing. JFK and EWR just don't stack up at all. LGA is a challenging airport to get into. The runways are shorter than at most major airports, you often have high winds and you have a great number of buildings and other structures to watch out for. Runway 31 is the trickiest one of all. I have the utmost respect for pilots who are able to get into Runway 31 - especially when the weather is bad. To make things even tougher, some idiot developers decided to build those humungous buildings near the former Shea Stadium along the Number 7 line. You're less than 500 feet when you go over those Godzilla-sized buildings. I'm sure those buildings make pilots very uncomfortable and for good reason. Also, it used to be that Manhattan stood out at night time with all of the lights. Today, Queens, Bronx, and especially over in NJ, outshine Manhattan!

[@PeterMasella]

Well said! Thanks for watching, Scott!

[@nashscan]

You pulled out all the stops for this one. Maybe day they will have a MSELA arrival!

[@PeterMasella]

Oh Wow! Thank you!!!!

[@ItsCoreyLynxxYall]

Some of the STAR plates for Atlanta have points named after Star Wars characters.

[@PeterMasella]

Cool!

[@bktodc]

I've noticed in the past few weeks another approach into 31 which brings aircraft further East with a right turn to final. I noticed it was on unusually windy days. Any information on that approach? At first I thought aircraft were setting up for the 22L into JFK.

[@PeterMasella]

Yes, this is the localizer runway 31 approach and is used when the winds are very strong. Arrivals from the south will past east of LGA over the final approach course then turn right to join the final.

[@tcssmeetingvideos]

Was the ATC live as you flew or did you add it afterwards? Also, you might want to check out at KDCA (Washington National) the RIVER VISUAL RWY 19 approach for a very late turn onto final.

[@PeterMasella]

I added it afterwards...and I LOVE the DCA River Visual 19 approach!

[@OSTARAEB4]

Peter, what's specifically new about this approach? Are they not flying directly over Brooklyn and Queens right on into Runway Four any longer? It looks the same as always and despite it being a nice approach, nothing beats the right side with the Hudson River visual with the hook over The Bronx or Lower Westchester onto Runway 22. As you know, you get a closer, bird's eye view of Manhattan with the great skyline if you're blessed with crystal clear weather in May or October when the weather is the best all year before the haze of summer and the cloudy, grey bleh of winter.

[@PeterMasella]

The approach is new in that it uses waypoints instead of just visual references making the approach more precise and wider. This is a different approach than the straight in approach to runway 4 which is still used very often.

[@traceyray1831]

BTW how did you record the air traffic control exchanges for your videos?

[@PeterMasella]

I used liveatc.net

[@OSTARAEB4]

Peter, what's the approach when they follow this but don't land on 31 and continue and then turn back in along the mouth of The Sound and come in over The Bronx onto R22? I did that once or twice. It was a very strange approach.

[@PeterMasella]

It's a common arrival route to runway 22 when runway 31 is the departure runway. I documented this approach in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5SaXnyCaLatd68

[@OSTARAEB4]

@@PeterMasella Just watched your video and thanks for the update. That was an amazing view of the City with the Billionaires row Lego buildings and LGA. I saw where I used to live. There's nothing like flying into LGA and DCA 19 heading down The Potomac. Best two approaches in the country are NYLGA22 and DCA 19. Thanks again Peter.

[@nickg2027]

Hi Peter, why did they decide to add this approach?? Also which of the major airports in NYC is your favourite??

[@PeterMasella]

I believe this approach was added for more stability. Rather than just looking at the window, there are now precise waypoints to fly to. My favorite? LaGuardia....because of the thrilling approaches and the intersecting runways!

[@charlestrattler4395]

Your video's are so concise. Have you ever considered becoming a pilot?

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks! No I haven’t!

[@tdadp]

I noticed the last turn is basically over College point Pepsi bottling for the final approach if I’m not mistaking

[@PeterMasella]

The Pepsi bottling group is Northwest of LGA on the shore of Flushing bay.

[@billfeldman2127]

I'm disappointed that Tom Seaver, by far the greatest Met ever, wasn't honored. Does this approach totally replace Expressway Visual, or are both being used? Can pilots request one or the other?

[@PeterMasella]

Both approaches can be used but I have never head of a pilot requesting the Expressway Visual while the Park Visual is in use.

[@claro371]

Runway 31 end lights flashing at 17:59

[@PeterMasella]

yes!

[@CSSZiegler]

How is it a new approach? Expressway Visual Approach is a very old approach

[@PeterMasella]

Hi Samuel. This video is about the new "Park Visual" approach. Although very similar to the Expressway Visual Approach, which is a very old approach, this is not the same approach.

[@CSSZiegler]

@@PeterMasella It looked the same. Is there a chart for the new approach?

[@PeterMasella]

@@CSSZiegler Yes. It is available at airnav.com

[@nycres]

23:37 "Copy all that" Yep, he's ready to be done for the night

[@PeterMasella]

lol

[@rafael02130]

Oh lga, my favorite airport wish it was as trashy as before 😥

[@SYDAirlineEnthusiast]

This is not a new approach as this approach has been a thing for decades as a straight-in approach for Runway 31 is rare. I don’t know if you meant this was your first time experiencing this approach.

[@PeterMasella]

Hi NYCAirlineEnthusiast and thanks for watching my video! The Expressway Visual Approach to runway 31 has been around for decades indeed - but it is no longer used and has been replaced by the Park Visual Approach to runway 31 which is specifically what this video is about. It's nearly identical to the old expressway visual approach but uses more specific waypoints so the pilots don't deviate off course. The straight in approach to runway 31 is rare indeed.

[@horacesmart3600]

Why dont planes takeoff on runway 22

[@PeterMasella]

They do, when runway 13-31 is closed. But generally runway 22 is used for landings since its departure path is over a congested area (both on the ground and sky). Also there is less room for aircraft to wait by runway 22 for takeoff so 13 is the preferred departure runway in many cases as there is extra real estate by runway 13.

[@johnathandoe9346]

Want to see something cool ? Book a flight out of MIA taking off east at night.

[@PeterMasella]

Great views of Miami and Biscayne Bay!

[@111danish111]

Sorry I'm not a expert but I think you need a better camera . It is not complementing your interesting videos.

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks for the input. Filming at night is a challenge, especially through an airplane window.