SPECTACULAR Approach to JFK Airport

This video is more than just an amazing approach into Kennedy Airport (JFK) Airport with stunning views of Manhattan. This is a lesson on how it's possible. Fully narrated, in this video I explain how air traffic control works with the pilot to make views like this possible. We'll start our approach over New Jersey, fly over Manhattan and make a sweeping left turn around JFK before we land on runway 22L. You’ll learn all about the complexities of landing at JFK due to its position below some very complicated airspace.

[@billbarues6235]

As an air traffic controller who grew up on Long Island, Peter's narration is extremely accurate. The procedures flown, airspace knowledge and landmark recognition is outstanding. Great video!

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you very much!

[@stevenmines839]

I have to agree completely with Bill Barues. I'm a pilot and ATC freak, and live in Long Beach, which you flew right past. I've been paying attention to traffic at JFK since it was known as Idelwild. Amazing that I can't nit pick anything in the video. Great job!

[@PeterMasella]

@@stevenmines839 I love it! Thanks!

[@PeterMasella]

@@MrDepodot7 Thanks Randy!

[@schoolssection]

@@PeterMasella I'm a former controller as well.....very well done!!!

[@mayorofthenonsense]

Man, that shot of Manhattan from 13,000 feet is absolutely mind-blowing! Just unreal.

[@PeterMasella]

It sure is!

[@davidmann4533]

Why😂.?

[@TonyPajamas24]

@@davidmann4533 🤡

[@Jan-iu5hc]

I used to think the flying was the hardest job but the people who work in the tower dealing with pilots from all over the world and how busy they are with hundreds of flights a day to juggle they just don't get paid enough thank you for posting

[@PeterMasella]

So true! Thanks for watching!

[@aeroalexGR]

One of the best approach videos into JFK with extremely insightful narration and excellent visuals. Outstanding work Peter!

[@PeterMasella]

Wow, thanks! I appreciate that!

[@botortamas]

What a view especially Manhattan even from that high up it’s still a beast. This video made me very nostalgic about NYC.

[@delontereid7584]

This was an excellent description of the final approach and landing into JFK.... From one aviation geek to another I give this video 5 stars!! 🛬

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

[@georgetsokanis3542]

I came to JFK 5 weeks after the 9/11 attacks. The pilot banked high and the view of the non stop work at ground zero illuminated the surroundings with a pale of smoke still visible. A sight I will never forget.

[@user-bu7jl6zy5d]

This is amazing. Seeing Central Park from that altitude is really a sight to behold. Excellent narration by a highly knowledgeable gentleman.

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks so much!

[@ashegheaty]

3:27 that is breath taking , thank you and cheers .

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks for watching!

[@ChrisFEJackson]

breath keeping more like in that face nappy! (diaper)

[@javianjohnson8746]

EXTREMELY detailed breakdown of this approach. Thank you!

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks for watching!

[@richardcantley8525]

having limited finances yet still immensely interested in geography and mapping, this is a perfect fit thank you for posts and videos really enjoy!

[@PeterMasella]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@waynejackson1426]

My neck of the woods. I live in ROSEDALE Queens and work at JFK terminal 4. I've been to the the first part of the tower quite a few times especially for Christmas and Thanksgiving dinner. Thank you IAT.

[@1LonePuma]

*indeed, a spectacular view of the different burros of N.Y., thanks for sharing!*

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks!

[@pelhambissell2926]

Spectacular ✨love the detailed description of the approach :)

[@PeterMasella]

Glad you liked it!

[@alexpeacock3870]

Give that boy a medal !

[@Ashley_Mariee]

genuinely obsessed with this video. thanks for sharing!!

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks for watching!

[@littlee4620]

Love that shoutout to my old hometown of Wantagh, NY! I remember when I was a kid there were all these different planes flying overhead. It was always a thrill when there was a Concorde flying above us!

[@PeterMasella]

Awesome!

[@Ryyguyy25]

This was an awesome video. I’m from wantagh/Levittown area as well and never knew some approaches to JFK makes you go this route.. very informative 👍

[@willj4411]

What an incredibly professional production and interesting video, especially to those of us who've traveled this very route numerous times but never had the pleasure of the audio visual version. I was born in New Rochelle 77 years ago and now make my home in Orange County, Ca. That said, however, I was fortunate enough to have my livelihood fly me extensively cross country for many, many years. I no longer travel as much but enjoy quality presentations of which this is a perfect example. Peter, this is the first time I've subscribed to a channel prior to the end of the first showing. Btw, your vocal demeaner is perfectly soothing and relaxed as if talking to a good friend. Looking forward to seeing and hearing more!

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you for this wonderful comment! My goal is to provide quality and informative information in the aviation industry with a focus on understanding air traffic. Thank you so much for taking the time to write this and subscribing! I'm currently working on more!

[@realitywinner7582]

Thanks from Ireland .God Bless 🙂

[@acousticsoundz1985]

An absolute ton of information in this vid. Thank you so much for making this video.. We flew in from the other side into JFK on a beautifully clear and sunny 24th Dec 2019. A week later, I took a night flight from JFK to Amsterdam on a 787.

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks! The approach from the other side provides great views of Long Island.

[@metmanjeff]

That was quite different and really enjoyable. Thanks!

[@PeterMasella]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rebeccawilliam8681]

Hi Jeff how are you doing?

[@fartherfasterhigher6157]

Peter! This is a great video and highly accurate. As a NYC pilot, I can attest. Keep coming out with the great videos and congrats on reaching 1K subs!

[@PeterMasella]

Much appreciated!

[@TheJmich2001]

I grew up in Cedarhurst and used to wave to the pilots! Thanks for the great video.

[@PeterMasella]

Cool! Thanks for watching!

[@hwd7171]

Watching from Australia, I had no idea that Long Island was 100 miles long, that is L O N G. 👍❤🇦🇺

[@PeterMasella]

It is! Thanks for watching!

[@vinceygal100]

Thank you for this video. That was quite interesting !!!!!! As a New Yorker and someone that flies often it was great to learn about how it all works

[@PeterMasella]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@robinmillerkroening3493]

Good video, I like how you explain what we are seeing. Thank you!

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks for watching!

[@walterjohnson2713]

The fact that it flew over Rosedale, which just so happens to be my old hometown, gave me a lot of memories

[@gregvinson1]

Central Park’s contrast with Midtown from 13k feet was awesome

[@PeterMasella]

👍

[@Double0pi]

Love it! I don't think I've ever had such a clear descent into JFK myself (there were always clouds somewhere). One of the best parts of living in Queens was watching air traffic coming in for a landing at JFK...I could see it from my balcony at home!

[@PeterMasella]

Glad you enjoyed it! I don't always get this lucky on this arrival procedure.

[@suhailkhan3538]

I never tire of watching NYC aircraft landing videos and this one made most sense of what you see from high up as you descend with your interesting narration. Great vid!

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you very much!

[@admiralbenbow5083]

This is stacked with information. Good job!

[@africasightwalktravels1875]

Ive watched several videos of planes landing and take off, but this is mind blowing.. Great!!

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you for watching!

[@janetslicer3637]

What a ride! I loved it! I flew almost non-stop for twelve years over all fifty states, only landing at JFK twice. I have a much better appreciation for the pilots in the New York area! Wonderful insight!

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks for watching, Janet!

[@yessikaramirez6066]

Those pilots are no joke, very impressive how this is done 100xs of times a day.

[@gilliantracy7991]

Truly stunning video and expertly narrated. What a gorgeous day you had with incredible visibility. Thank you for sharing. Excellent!

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you!

[@bairong9]

Now this is how you narrate a video. Keeps you hooked

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks!

[@APizzaDriver]

Former PI/US employee, dad was maintenance at UR/PI/US. I completely enjoyed this video. Cheers from Buenos Aires.

[@PeterMasella]

Cool! Thanks for watching!

[@richb1334]

He is correct with all the names and settings I fly in and out all the time from JFK

[@garymessinetti1874]

That was outstanding, especially the description of all the neighborhoods! Very clear and accurate descriptions.

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you very much!

[@HighLiner15]

Idk why that was so interesting at 3 am but it was! 😃👍🛩🛬👨‍✈️

[@PeterMasella]

:-)

[@tommyholzman6613]

I learn so much from watching Peter's videos. Thank you for all you do.

[@PeterMasella]

Glad you like them! Thanks so much!

[@nyceyes]

You can tell from my screen-name where I was born and raised (specifically Manhattan, NYC). 🗽 I've been through many approaches to JFK and LGA. The narration was excellent: Not too much or too little, and technically accurate; including the many landmarks highlighted. Well done! 🎉

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks so much!

[@nyceyes]

@@PeterMasella You're welcome. ☺️

[@saab149]

Such a great, clear and amazing joy Mr. Peter! Thank you for sharing this masterpiece!!!

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you for watching!

[@mairyhuff7102]

This is officially the best video on KZbin! PERIOD!

[@PeterMasella]

Wow! Thanks so much!

[@mairyhuff7102]

@@PeterMasella 6 months later and this is still my favourite video on KZbin

[@gilsonanderson5807]

I never get tired watching this vídeo but i’ m waiting for more! You mentioned Jones Beach , Elmwood Park, Garden City and places that i went !

[@PeterMasella]

More Coming Soon!

[@djwaz855]

I am glad Utube recommended your video. You do a great job explaining the situation and your photography is superb. I'm not a aviation buff but I'm gonna watch some more of your channel.

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks so much David! Welcome to my channel!

[@paulne1514]

We used to visit relatives in rosedale. The jets would be 4 houses down, about every 90 seconds, the TV. Would go crazy, then you could watch again. Forget speaking too. Was great when the wind came from another direction!

[@PeterMasella]

ha ha!

[@vthome78]

Awesome what a great video full of details. I would love to fly into JFK on day

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks for watching!

[@tonylaming4994]

Superb, informative video. Most enjoyable.

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks!

[@gman8648]

This is amazing. Thank you for the detailed and very informative narration. Great video!

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you Garland! More to come!

[@ainyc88]

Beautiful views. I've recently landed on the JFK the same way and visibility was awesome. No matter how many times you are doing this, the view is always spectacular and love recognizing the neighborhoods from the above.

[@yessikaramirez6066]

I’m from Long Island and thought it was so great to see all of NYC, the Long Island sound, Jones beach Madison Square Garden etc… GREAT VIDEO.

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks for watching!

[@cmartin_ok]

Really great views, I'm in the UK and we're still not allowed to fly into the USA even when double-jabbed with vaccine. Hoping that things change in the near future. Planes from Europe tend to fly straight into JFK, depriving us of those wonderful views of Manhattan. Thank you so much for uploading this

[@PeterMasella]

I hope you can come to the USA soon! Sometimes planes from Europe to JFK will approach from the Northwest, similar to this arrival, and will get the same view. More often, they just fly along Long Island to get to JFK. Thanks so much for watching!

[@nestelberg5672]

Wow, this is really SPECTACULAR, I love how you describe everything in detail.

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you very much Nestel!

[@jawbone60]

Growing up and still living on Long Island made this video very entertaining for me. I recognized everything in and around the city. All the bridges and highways etc. - And seeing Jones Beach from the air is always special being I've spent countless days there. The narration was spot on. Excellent work!

[@yessikaramirez6066]

I agree, seeing MSG, all the 5 Boroughs, the Jones beach amphitheater, the Belt parkway, etc.. only a native NYKR would’ve caught all these details.

[@robertplunkett4737]

Wonderful presentation. Enjoyed the commentary, information. Great view of New York and surrounding area. Excellent and what a beautiful day to fly. Thank you.

[@PeterMasella]

Many thanks!

[@somoyaholness8274]

Amazing

[@vmsrinivas6230]

One of the best landing videos I have ever seen. Best wishes from India !

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you!

[@donaldclifford5763]

Next best thing to a cockpit view.

[@PeterMasella]

@@donaldclifford5763 Thanks! Since 0% of passengers get the cockpit view I try to make the most out of what 100% of passengers can see.

[@andredarin8966]

@@PeterMasella Let me guess: this was an A320. You could take a hundred trips in a 737 and never experience a landing like this.

[@PeterMasella]

@@andredarin8966 It was an A320. The A320 is references at 00:46 and there are also videos of the A320 I was on at the end.

[@kwas101]

Great video, great camera work, informative commentary! Loved it!

[@PeterMasella]

Many thanks!

[@augustinalawson6373]

Simply spectacular 👌.

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks for watching, Augustina!

[@javianjohnson8746]

Ahh 2:38 I see LaGuardia right there, and 3:03 I can clearly see Madison Square Garden down there too!

[@lisalu910]

Great video, and I especially love how you labeled the different locations on the ground. I've never understood why most passengers never lift their window shades for the entire flight, like they are just too cool to look out the window and enjoy the views.

[@PeterMasella]

It’s so true! Thanks for watching!

[@RustamShah]

*Peter that was a wonderful video and I really enjoyed it, good work man, keep making such videos*

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you!

[@zepkaswar]

I just flew in to JFK from Phoenix yesterday. We came in from a northern approach that made a wide right turn over the ocean circling into JFK which I guess is the opposite of Peter's video. Peter's video combined with my experience of yesterday gave me a pretty good understanding of how planes land at JFK of which I am much appreciative. Landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor is incredibly boring compared to JFK. You either land from the east or the west without too many fancy curves or unbelievable views. Thanks to Peter for this amazing video.

[@PeterMasella]

Steven, thanks so much for watching! When a right turn is made (instead of the left turn in my video), chances are that you were being set up for an approach to runway 4L/R or 13L/R.

[@zamar2158]

That was simply brilliant! Spectacular descent and views and brilliant narration.

[@PeterMasella]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@joshsheffsagain4662]

My goodness!! This is breathtaking footage! Never been to NYC so this is spectacular! Thank you so much for filming it and sharing it. Fantastic! 👍👍👍👍 Yes to more! Please! Subscribed! Thanks again, that was awesome.

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks so much! And there is so much more to come!

[@Abebe345]

I enjoy listening to JFK atc. Thank you for all of the visual and other detail about flying into JFK from that approach. I would be equally as interested in other approaches into JFK or anywhere else. Enjoyed it.

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks for watching! There is more to come!

[@jandl5522]

This is wonderful. If I watch enough of these videos, my son might get me on an airplane yet. I'm a senior now, so I better hurry up. Thankyou so much for sharing this.

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@charlestrattler4395]

You're something else! I grew up in New York City and on Long Island. You obviously put a great amount of effort into detail here. You made it look beautiful almost (new york joke). Thank you.

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you!!

[@larrytpersonal6981]

Wow. Probably the best narration of an approach that I've ever seen. Request you do one for DFW if you have the chance. Great job!

[@PeterMasella]

Great suggestion! Thanks for watching!

[@davebest5624]

Greetings from England! Very nice and informative video. That high approach to JFK reminded me of a flight I took from Dulles to the UK many years ago, we overflew Manhattan and had a clear view of the Brooklyn Bridge all lit up.

[@PeterMasella]

Glad you enjoyed it! In NYC I often see departures from Dulles headed to Europe.

[@crazycars81]

Nice. Flying on on the path tommrow. Going out of msp sitting on the left. Hoping for good weather

[@brentsarazin4346]

Great commentary. Spectacular views of NYC and gives you a pretty good idea at the immense size of the city.

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you very much! It sure does!

[@leemg4560]

This was very informative and enjoyable. I actually had a NYC map on a second window trying to trace the path you were describing; something I always have a problem of doing when approaching JFK on an actual flight. Great job Peter and thanks!

[@PeterMasella]

Oh wow! Thanks!

[@sheila6905]

This brought back memories, very detailed, thanks for your work on this. I was once on an aborted BA 767 landing at JFK many years ago, we were very close to landing but had to climb rapidly as another plane hadn’t cleared the runway! So we got to fly around NY twice!!

[@PeterMasella]

I love missed approaches and the opportunity to see NYC for an encore performance!

[@traceyturner9428]

I work at JFK terminal 4. It's cool seeing it on your video. 😊 Awesome view of NYC and long Island. 👌

[@nitolobangco2778]

Nice video love it thank you

[@dt6540]

Great video, you really know your stuff. Growing up in mill basin, I watched so many planes land via Canarsie approach which forced the pilots to make a sharp right turn at that hotel.

[@PeterMasella]

That is an amazing approach to JFK!

[@shaunganley]

I grew up in Flatlands and always knew planes were 'a bit off' when we could hear them over our house. I never knew this was an approach to JFK too! Such a great video!

[@dt6540]

@@shaunganley it’s so funny you say this. I was a regular playing basketball at marine park in the 80s / 90s, and one day a 747 came right over us at low altitude heading what I believe was north or northeast. As you said, something was not right and as we played, I was thinking did anyone else pick this up. Sure enough, someone in typical Brooklyn fashion then said, “Pilot lost, or what?”

[@ampicoab]

I flew in and out of this airport for 32 years before I retired. Great coverage and explanation. You lucked out with such clear weather where all of New York was highly visible. While a lot has changed since I retired, this is still the same arrival for Runway 22 from the West that gives the longest view of the entire area. I wanted you to call out the sites of Manhattan, the GW bridge and Central Park, but they did go by quickly. Great job!

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you! It is a great city to fly over!

[@eloidarojas284]

wow, excelente, sin palabras

[@snapperhead273]

I love this video so much. Perfect camera work and narration. I saw so many familiar sights. thank you for this.

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks!

[@Patrick-ef4pm]

Awesome video, Peter, and very informative! Greetings from New Zealand

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you!

[@manojsubramanian7322]

One of the best landing videos, with ur informative comments.

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you!

[@bettycurry6752]

Wonderful and many thanks!

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks for watching, Betty!

[@shaddowbright]

Great explaination. Thank you for this clip

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks for watching!

[@MrBluesilverred]

Peter, thank you. That was tremendous! Your narration was very detailed, and quite interesting!

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you very much! I appreciate your comment.

[@OSTARAEB4]

OMG Peter! I've never seen this approach and you captured the whole city! Amazing! You were very lucky and the weather cooperating too.

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks! That’s why I always sit on the left side of the plane coming in to JFK from this direction.

[@alexshatzko1381]

think CENTRAL PARK was seen

[@OSTARAEB4]

@@alexshatzko1381 Very apparent at 2:59 where Peter has Island under 'Manhattan Island". That is all of Central Park.

[@gogetthegoose1]

Ah! Old northwest A-320. I've flown that aircraft hundreds of times as a FA over the years!

[@PeterMasella]

Cool!

[@just_cade]

Incredible, love this city so much. The concrete jungle!

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks for watching!

[@stuartbrickman1672]

Thanks Peter. Loved the video, narration, and info! I felt like I was sitting with you in seat A. I've flown into JFK with that sam approach. I look forward to more of your videos and insight.

[@PeterMasella]

Glad you enjoyed it! More to come!

[@johnp9031]

Great video!! Grew up in Rosedale :) You had to rotate your head from left to right to see the entire wingspan of a widebody when they were flying low on an overcast day.

[@PeterMasella]

Very cool!

[@johnp9031]

At St. Clare's Church while the priest was preaching he just stopped talking bowed his head with his arm spread when the planes flew over low. And they were freaking low! :) This was in the 70's. We moved out of the area when I was still a kid and I couldn't sleep at night because it was too quiet. ;P

[@interstategar]

This is a rare example of top notch videography and the details are right on the money. It doesn't get any better than this for a flight narration.

[@aaronboren5851]

Flying into New York City-any of the three major airports there always takes my breath away.

[@PeterMasella]

It’s amazing!

[@carlel4219]

Pete, you are a Godsend. Your video editing, narration, steady camera, views, etc. is just awesome. JFK airport is an iconic structure of New York City and you are making it come alive with your beautiful videos. I almost felt like I was flying the plane with your exact descriptions. So perfect. Please give us more videos. Thank you

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you! There is so much more to come!

[@tranceminder2]

Thank You Peter. You captured this experience perfectly Outstanding work!

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you!

[@josephclark2643]

Absolutely awesome video. Thanks

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks for watching!

[@waldronlevers7556]

thanks for the info peter, your narrative on the landscape was on the money. i cant wait for your next post!

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you! Stay tuned!

[@kiwisunshine9631]

Wow! That was absolutely awesome! Your filming is amazing, and I loved hearing about each area you flew over. Super fun and interesting to watch. Many thanks - stay well:-)

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you!

[@MaryNYC1]

Great video. I live in Manhattan and usually choose LGA or Newark because the flights to JFK are actually 15-20 minutes longer (if I’m coming in from the West Coast or south) due to the reasons you explained in the video. But I do prefer JFK over Newark for International flights from Europe.

[@PeterMasella]

I feel the same way!

[@jchristopher1762]

Great video! Thank you for sharing with us.

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you for watching! I had fun making it!

[@merc340sr]

Amazing view!!!

[@PeterMasella]

It sure is!