AMAZING Night Approach to LaGuardia Airport

This video is more than just an amazing approach into LaGuardia Airport while flying over the Hudson providing 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 be be flying northbound on the Hudson river before turning right over the Bronx/Westchester to land on runway 22.
This approach is normally in effect when the arrival runway is 22 and the departure runway is 13.

[@Windtee]

This is probably the best recorded, well-narrated... night approach into LGA!

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you so much Windtee!

[@davidhynes]

Its amazing how professional these pilots are, they deserve all the credit in the world.

[@PeterMasella]

So true!

[@tobybucsescu3830]

Hey Peter, as a NY Approach controller working the LGA Arrivals, I have to give you credit for doing a great job narrating this video and getting all the ATC details correct.

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks Toby! I probably know your voice! I have been listening to NY Approach for years! You guys do a great job!

[@12345fowler]

Agree, he does a phenomenal job. Peter just a question tough, do you have followed your video flight with ATC exchange in real time or this is reconstruction based on prior knowledge like when approach hand you over to tower etc ? Also I wonder about visual approach during the night in pax revenue, I think some airlines forbid them now or at least without some instrument backup. Looks like your flight was with Delta ? No idea if Delta still allow visual at night tough.

[@alannunez]

Toby - I asked the creator this, and will ask you as well. How can someone learn more about the landing and take-off patterns. And how can we listen to the ATC? Thanks in advance and thanks for keeping things moving.

[@oliverjumelle]

Isnt this the route the reverse (SID) that US 1549 was on when she struck birds?

[@n704ly]

Thank you for the time and effort you put into this presentation. The commentary was particulalry appreciated.

[@PeterMasella]

Glad you enjoyed it and I appreciate your comment!

[@philipcollura2669]

As a life long Long Islander I've been a passenger on this approach myself. I'm somewhere between impressed and amazed at the amount of information you pack into your videos. I'll provide a bit of geography trivia for those wondering why the skyscrapers are all clustered in lower Manhattan and Midtown: those are the areas where the bedrock is close enough to the surface to support the building.

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you very much!

[@flyinghow]

This vid was excellent! It was my first encounter with your content and I subscribed. Love night videos!

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you Flyinghow! More to come!

[@lucysmithers357]

Excellent video.. Love flying into New York at night.. thank you for all the explanations ..

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks!

[@jalelynch33]

Great video. It would be cool if you could put a small map in the corner showing the airplane’s position for future videos. Keep up the good work.

[@PeterMasella]

Great idea!

[@chaspfrank]

@@PeterMasella You could just capture the flight route of your particular from Flight Aware or Flight Radar 24, and then overlay the position throughout the video.. Just a thought.

[@dr-ozone]

@@PeterMasella also with speed and altitude if you can get it!

[@paulfaulconer2512]

You can tell by the buildings and landmarks. Times Square was cool.

[@jadw33]

LGA has always been my favorite NYC Airport even before it’s ongoing renovation. Its proximity to Manhattan cannot be beat. I’ve always found LGA easy to get in and out of. I prefer a smaller airport. I was born on Manhattan and Brooklyn was my home for my first 5 years. So seeing NY Metro always makes me a little homesick. Thanks for sharing. I ❤️ NY.

[@PeterMasella]

Don't forget to check out my LGA approach video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKjOfWSuh5qAn8k

[@Garth_T]

I LOVE your commentaries. Both the aviation and geographical points. Thank you!

[@PeterMasella]

Glad you like them! Thanks for watching!

[@barbie91766]

My son will be landing at LGA in 30 minutes after a 2 wk visit here on Dallas. He no longer takes a window seat because he's terrified the pilot will miss the runway! I take the easy - buy much more $$ way when flying home: Hartford. Great video. I'm homesick for a good bagel.

[@jcjammer1]

You are probably one of the most knowledgeable, happiest storytellers I've ever seen on KZbin. Big thumbs up 👍👍

[@PeterMasella]

Wow, thank you! So nice of you to say that! Thanks so much for watching my channel!

[@nw24153ns]

Excellent narration although I really like the arrows pointing out landmarks. Thanks👍👍

[@PeterMasella]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@spaceghost4474]

Beautiful nighttime views , and the narrative just adds so much to the video. I'm looking forward to many more of these New York videos. :-)

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you! More to come!

[@cguimaraenz]

I just discovered your videos yesterday. As a private pilot and flight lover, I really enjoyed the views and the wonderful narration, every word is relevant. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks so much and welcome to my channel!

[@brienengel]

At first I was rolling my eyes at the prospect of narration, but ended up enjoying it very much. I *must* have a window seat, even on long flights, as I obsessively monitor progress and the features of land below, etc. As a now mostly Delta flyer, I miss United's audio channel for flight deck/ATC. It's a kind of spiritual/philosophical experience as you hear the scores of anonymous voices ferrying the planes along and safely apart. The narration tone has a pleasant PBS/educational quality and along with the amazing view, I wish it could somehow change a flying-scared friend's feelings. And there's the rub-- it's how she feels, it's deep and visceral although intellectually she'd be able to appreciate it very much. Perhaps for others it's a revelation and should be employed for fear-of-flying groups. It's very happy to illustrate this miracle of flight and so many people involved. Well, thanks for the ride!

[@PeterMasella]

Wow - thank you for that comment! Yes, I try to be very educational, as so many flight videos leave it up to the viewer to figure out what is going on. Thanks for the idea of using my channel for scared flyers! I used to love "Channel 9" on United to listen to ATC and I used to only fly United for that reason alone but now that no airlines have it, I stick with Delta, the hub airline in my main base city. Stay tuned for more videos as my channel grows!

[@brienengel]

@@PeterMasella Sorry to hear there's no more United channel 9. I kinda suspected that. Maybe there is a way to tune in to ATC with internet and a cellphone (after climb out, before landing I guess) Allow me to pitch my channel for subscription, if you like unusual musical instruments. Unfortunately, I am unable to focus on frequent uploads at least right now.

[@PeterMasella]

@@brienengel I do listen to live ATC when I am flying! But sometimes it can be hard to find the correct frequency. It's best used for the landing/departure phases of flight.

[@brienengel]

@@PeterMasella Might be fun to hear some audio of during one of your clips if it isn't something to get into any trouble over. After all there are ATC recordings on KZbin. Thanks!! 🥂

[@PeterMasella]

@@brienengel I agree and I intend to do this in the future.

[@rajeevk.pathak771]

Another "cameo" by Peter Masella... more appropriately so, because he so adroitly describes the Sections of NYC during the night, and the whole city looks as if it is brilliantly studded with resplendent diamonds !!! Way to go, Peter Masella! Thanks for another lucid, engaging and enlightening videos! Keep it up!

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you so much Rajeev!

[@rajeevk.pathak771]

@@PeterMasella Great to hear from you! You have rendered, what would otherwise have been some "run of the mill" air-travel, into an exhilarating experience! The next time I am aboard a flight into NYC and elsewhere, I will, based upon your clear-cut pointers, try to identify the landmarks. (Incidentally, I am an (East-) Indian, a Physicist, frequently traveling to U.S.A., esp. NYC region and subsequently elsewhere in the US of A).

[@PeterMasella]

@@rajeevk.pathak771 I am so glad I had this influence! Thank you so much!

[@MaryNYC1]

Nice video. There’s nothing like landing at LaGuardia on a clear night. The views are spectacular. The daytime views are amazing too.

[@PeterMasella]

MaryNYC1, you can say that again! After years of flying into LGA, it never gets old!

[@tedphillips2501]

@@PeterMasella Excellent narration. If you ever get to that bird reservation known as Miami International, I would challenge you to get pictures of the burrowing owls there.

[@alk61695]

Definitely my favorite approach into LGA. Sometimes they take you up the Hudson and then have you turn right straight into runway 13.

[@PeterMasella]

Now that is rare!

[@alk61695]

I was only on that once that I can remember.

[@julianpenny4671]

An amazing spectacle, many thanks for the most informative commentary.😎🇳🇿

[@PeterMasella]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@chevy790]

absolutely amazing video footage of NY -- a place which has always fascinated me from childhood and hopefully i will visit when we get rid of covid-thank you Peter for posting-i have learned more from your videos than any books have shown-keep up the good work my friend-its a credit to you 10 out of 10

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you so much! More to come!

[@germanshepherd13]

Don't get killed in NYC. Be careful.

[@SuperSawyerg]

A masterpiece of a video- both visually and with fascinating information. Great job !!!!

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you very much!

[@King_Shroom]

Love the video! Lots of awesome information which you don't always get from just watching the approach, Keep it up!

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you! That is my aim!

[@tedphillips2501]

Excellent narration. If you ever get to that bird reservation known as Miami International, I would challenge you to get pictures of the burrowing owls there.

[@PeterMasella]

👍

[@barella6527]

Just awesome! I had no idea the size of NYC and its' boroughs.

[@PeterMasella]

It is huge!

[@aditalati6445]

Spectacular video and spectacular views.

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you for watching!

[@erestube]

I was on a flight to LaGuardia from Kansas City that got delayed six hours in K.C. to fix something on the wing. By the time we got over New York City we had to make two loops around the city before we were cleared for landing. (It was spring break so I guess they were busy.) The scenery was 1983 but it was worth the six-hour delay! Flew Atlanta to Kennedy about ten years ago just after sunset. You get views of Atlanta, Washington D.C. Philadelphia and finally NYC. That's a beauty of a flight as well. Left window!

[@PeterMasella]

Love the window!

[@jfarrell7809]

Love your videos, Peter. Thank you so much for sharing with us all.

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@kro0014]

This was a delight to watch. Thank you. So fascinating. My boy (loves aviation) and I, fresh back from a NYC vacation watched it twice. Nice work!

[@PeterMasella]

Glad you enjoyed it! Stay tuned for more videos like this!

[@mauricelittlewood7369]

Excellent video, thank you from the UK.

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks!

[@blastermaster2383]

Excellent video.Last time I flew into NY was in 1980 on Pan Am 747 SP.I was 11 years old & we left Sydney where I’m from & the weather was mild but when we got to NY we were greeted by Aunties ,Uncles & cousins handing us jackets & beanies as it was snowing.They live in Glen Cove ,Long Island & we were there for 2 months & did 1 week in LA.Big,big city & will never forget the feeling of being there & the awesomeness of the 747.

[@PeterMasella]

Sounds like a great time! Things have changed so much since then!

[@raverwater1]

You do a great job on these videos, and I am a commercial pilot and flight instructor. Thank you👍

[@PeterMasella]

I appreciate that and I am honored!

[@jmonrealst]

I love your videos! Thank you very very much for this one, because I really enjoyed the views and the narrative.

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks so much!

[@fortress1133]

That last few yards over the east river always makes you wonder if you're going to make a water landing.

[@PeterMasella]

It is like landing on an aircraft carrier!

[@robn02]

Awesome. Keep them coming, Peter!

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks, will do! Working on one now!

[@hwd7]

Manhattan at night is absolutely spectacular! I enjoyed the narration as well. Great video👍❤🇦🇺

[@PeterMasella]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks!

[@turninmonyin2noise978]

You do a great job with your videos and excellent narration. 5 stars.

[@PeterMasella]

Wow, thank you!

[@princessmeganelsa8952]

Beautiful night sky miss flying so much!! ❤️❤️❤️😭

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks for watching!

[@IBelieve..............]

Wow.... I live in one of Australia's biggest cities (Sydney) I have always loved the skyline veiws of our eastern capitals cities but this has blown me away, this upload shows the beauty of a city that most of it residents more than likely will never see. It is really difficult to fathom just how big Ney York is until you see something like your videos do. Along with this I just watched one of your daytime arrivals into JFK its just mind boggling how large the city is, you have more than earned my subscription thank you cheers👍

[@PeterMasella]

Wow! Thanks so much! I really appreciate that!

[@jeffb9939]

Great video. I landed in LGA many times with this view. Next time I will understands what i am looking at ... Thanks for posting

[@PeterMasella]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@udayansatyarth7011]

Superb Peter!! Another informative and mesmerizing video

[@PeterMasella]

Many thanks!

[@boricuayehudim427]

Love these Videos ☝🏾Hear you talking bring back memories of flight instructors when a student pilot ☺️ Thanks for sharing 🙏🏾

[@PeterMasella]

Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for watching!

[@steini6771]

Stunning! Thank you -

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks for watching!

[@frankdeanadjebeng6676]

Spectacular shot.

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you!

[@baronlund9725]

As a GA pilot I sure enjoy your channel.

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks Baron! Coming from a pilot like you, I appreciate that!

[@aenriquesi]

thanks. Beautiful New York

[@PeterMasella]

It really is!

[@lovintube25]

That was fantastic. I really enjoyed the views and the narrative. You definitely earned a subscriber.

[@PeterMasella]

Welcome aboard! Thank you very much!

[@joshuafreytes9958]

You have no idea how much I love your videos. I’ve always said that my favorite part of traveling is the actual flying part, and it’s precisely because i try to identify what am I looking at, at any given point. I also try to calculate how far into the horizon im able to see (10, 50, 100 miles).

[@PeterMasella]

Wow, thank you!

[@taketimeout2share]

Wow! Great shots. Seriously nice to look at .

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks a lot!

[@Pilot.Lindsay]

Great Video. No Annoying Music. I will Subscribe. Great Job at Narrating by the way.

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you very much!!

[@generalgrant3189]

Great video Peter. Very well done. Wish I wasn't terrified of flying.

[@PeterMasella]

I hope my video helps ease the fear!

[@generalgrant3189]

Love watching planes. Have not taken a flight in 30 years Peter. I wish your video helped with the fear but unfortunately not. It is my curse in life.

[@v_zach]

I would pay extra for a flight with this level of narration.

[@PeterMasella]

:-)

[@mansgametj]

Excellent video and narration for those of us who have never been to NYC and would have little to no idea of what we are looking at. The skyline looks amazing at night.

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you very much! It is a true gem of a city!

[@mansgametj]

@@PeterMasella Definitely will visit this gem of a city one day. Please keep posting your videos, they are a gem also.

[@robertabrams8562]

This was awesome to watch! I’m a NYCer, and have landed from this route many times, but never at night…👍🏼👏🏼

[@PeterMasella]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@freddyferrillo9704]

I've flown this route a hundred times. I also came in for a landing on the other runway......bringing you over Citi Field in Flushing Queens; another hundred times! I always get a window seat for the view.

[@PeterMasella]

Freddy, I think you're referring to this approach: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYbLoYh5g8xmabs

[@marksolomon4474]

Beautiful point of view!!

[@PeterMasella]

It really is! Thanks!

[@walkerb1734]

2:50. For notable landmarks, I’d also add Madison Square Garden. Easily visible with those cool purple lights.

[@PeterMasella]

Yes. There are so many things to point out and our trip the river by Manhattan is quick!

[@walkerb1734]

@@PeterMasella Agreed! Cool video, by the way!

[@PeterMasella]

@@walkerb1734 Thanks!

[@jeffjensen27]

Wow 🤩 that’s what ya called 👏👏👏🤩 The Golden Buzzard Award 🥇 For Excellence For Video ☝️👍☝️🎤. Throughly enjoyed this that I subscribed definitely looking forward to seeing more videos from you.

[@PeterMasella]

Wow, thanks! I appreciate that! More to come!

[@Bruce87W]

That was very cool bud, nice job!

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks 👍

[@jobaecker9752]

Great videos! I moved to Manhattan in the early 90's (from MSP) and absolutely loved arriving at LGA at night. I've been back in the MSP area for decades now (photog flightspotter at MSP on occasion!) but still feel nostalgic for the flights into the New York area. I still know my landmarks!

[@PeterMasella]

Very cool! Thanks for watching!

[@reopat14]

This was Super. Thank You .

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks Raymond!

[@paulragots2767]

Thanks for this great video. I flew in LGA from Montreal at night once. The landing went for ever, right turn, left turn, then right again, with the plane banking so much I was pressed against the window. Scary as hell. The aircraft looked like it was gonna lose lift and drop like stone. At one point I thought: that’s it, we’re all gonna die. Now I understand what those turns were for.

[@PeterMasella]

Glad you learned from my video! Thanks so much for watching!

[@janetaro]

This video is better than actually being on the flight as you explain where the plane is flying over. Too bad there wasn’t a game at Yankee stadium. Pointing out the neighbors is nostalgic for me as I am from this area. Thank you so much. Oh and how did you manage to get a clean window?

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks Janet! I aim to be as descriptive as possible and the clean window was by chance!

[@michaelmontana4825]

Awesome video and great narration. Look forward to more of your videos.

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you kindly and more to come!

[@davidnewkirk2438]

Absolutely spectacular! Thanks for sharing

[@PeterMasella]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@philipcollura2669]

Thanks!

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you!!!!!

[@maddywendall2980]

Well Done!

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you Maddy!

[@michellemullins4588]

Hi, Peter. This is a great commentary vidoe!

[@PeterMasella]

Hey, thanks!

[@Reuvenification]

This video was super awesome, liked it very much. I've experienced this route landing a hundred times during daylight hours as well as nights and yes is spectacular. Natur I always was curious about where we were flying above, I mean I was taking Manhattan as a reference point but never imagine we were flying as far as West Chester County, Bronx, NY, etc. I've learned something here, quite fascinating. Thank you and looking forward to watching more videos.

[@PeterMasella]

So glad you learned something from this! Thanks for watching!

[@jasonlizotte4007]

I have never had the chance to fly in or out of NYC. Thank you for this video, it was well done.

[@PeterMasella]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MyIgnazio]

excellent video speech all very professional. thanks. i write you from bilbao, spain, europe.

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you!

[@bargdaffy1535]

Very Cool video! And I learned about how runways align according to their assigned number I think, but it gives me something to look into! Thanks.

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks for watching! I am glad you were able to learn something from this!

[@anthonyf.9170]

Fantastic! 👍

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@sconor100]

These are some great videos - look forward to seeing more landings at different airports

[@PeterMasella]

Stay tuned!

[@kcramer7404]

Nicely done! Enjoyed

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks a lot!

[@robinsk5644]

Enjoyed the narration.

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you!

[@MrJenten10]

Excellent video quite lucky to have a crystal clear evening, i have flown in and out of LGA and JFK more times than i can count but do not recall ever having a view like that

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks! It's actually quite common and I hope you get to experience this one day!

[@1allyawsomesinger]

Awesome video. Thanks

[@PeterMasella]

My pleasure!

[@bludworm1]

I DID enjoy your video, Immensely!

[@PeterMasella]

I'm glad! Thanks so much!

[@macedon4049]

Wow. Peter, you're the best.

[@PeterMasella]

😀

[@kraut4676]

Great video! Subscribed right now.

[@PeterMasella]

Welcome aboard! Thank you so much!

[@dwaynerichardson5380]

This approach is the one that flew over our heads when I lived in Parkchester section of The Bronx.

[@PeterMasella]

Yup! The runway 22 approach!

[@johnmcwade1]

Very cool, thanks!

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks for watching!

[@TommyG11814]

Awesome, love the narrative.

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks!

[@joseanthonyA321]

Nice approach

[@PeterMasella]

I loved it!

[@lyttlestarboard6108]

excellent job!!

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you!

[@scottleppard3290]

Nicely done.

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks Scott!

[@lohphat]

I could see my new and old apartment! I had a roof terrace at W69th and Bwy and would watch the planes fly up the Hudson all the time.

[@PeterMasella]

Awesome!

[@bhigdaddymark]

EXCELLENT video! Born and raised in Manhattan, moved south in 1987. Are you a pilot? My son is a GA pilot, I'll be sure to share this terrific video with him. Thanks so much for the detailed narrative, I've just subscribed!

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks for subscribing! No, I am not a pilot -just an enthusiastic enthusiast!

[@Chavez787]

Great video and awesome views of Manhattan 👌🏼

[@PeterMasella]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@iontachdalba]

Enjoyed the video, brought back memories of flying into JFK many moons ago. Thanks.

[@PeterMasella]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@mackmaloney3776]

I hate flying but I love these videos

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks for watching!

[@abhijeetpatwardhan5323]

Hey Peter...it was a fantastic narration of the landing...man..u know this area like the back of your palm..were you in ATC or a pilot atleast, bcoz anyone besides these 2 trades cannot narrate so flawlessly...though it was dark outside i could see and sense everythng......good watching experience...

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks Abhijeet! I am not a pilot or ATC but I am very enthusiastic about this!

[@evabalga6133]

Great video and informational narration. Thanks.

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you!

[@whoknowsidont.5147]

Thank you friend.

[@PeterMasella]

Thanks for watching!

[@whoknowsidont.5147]

@@PeterMasella thank you..your work is really nice. Informative and relaxing. For a guy who was denied his pilots license and doesn't get to fly ever. This us so awesome 👌

[@kurtledesma5993]

Very Good! no stupid music and this guy sounds like he's knows what he's talking about

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you!

[@gasaholic47]

And right opposite Pelham Bay Park, my old neighborhood of Co-op City, where I did most of my growing up.

[@PeterMasella]

😀

[@davidwadsworth8982]

I have flown this route into LGA, spectacular is not a strong enough word to describe the view

[@PeterMasella]

Superlative?

[@steveember8972]

Delighted to have discovered this video, Peter, and will look forward to viewing more of your content. So fortunate you were to have such a clear night and a pattern that allowed you (and us!) to see such a thrilling view all the way up the Hudson alongside Manhattan. I loved the informative value of your narration and your enthusiasm delivering it. From the blue nacelle, would one assume you were on a United flight and the captain had made the "From the Cockpit" audio channel available? Or are you just in the biz? Cheers! And keep them coming!

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you for your kind comments Steve! This was a Delta Air Lines flight. United actually disconnected “from the cockpit” years ago. ATC recordings are available online.

[@steveember8972]

@@PeterMasella Thanks, Peter. Guess it's been a while, but that was, for so many years, a favorite feature of mine on UA. Anyhow, an even more remarkable job you did in putting it all together as if in real time.

[@oscarhall124]

Great Video👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@PeterMasella]

Thank you!