viewing fireworks from the air

[bd32322]

I have never seen 4th of July fireworks from the air. I am thinking of doing it tomorrow weather permitting. Has anyone done it? Any special considerations other than fly high enough to avoid the fireworks ?

Thanks

[Hank]

There's a thread on AOPA Forums about this.

I've never gone up specifically to watch fireworks, but have seen some while flying. From the air, the fireworks are not as exciting [they're below you, you can't hear them bang, you can't hear the crowd "ooh" and "aah" and you miss out on the commentary and music]. One thing to keep in mind if you go is to stay high enough and far enough away that you aren't in danger, and that the "shooters" also do not think you are in danger of being hit.

[MooneyMitch]

We have done this many times.  Yes, it is a different experience than from the ground.  I thoroughly enjoy both aspects.  I suggest giving it a try of course.  Use the local frequencies to keep in contact with other pilots doing the same thing you are and stay vigilant for other aircraft at all times.  Have a great 4th of July!

 

[FloridaMan]

I did this in Tampa right after I got my PPL. We dealt with people in boats beaming us with their spotlights. 

[N33GG]

I did this once unintentionally when flying on the 4th and there was a big fireworks show going on near the airport at which I was arriving.  I had a perfect view from above, beside, and even below as I was landing.  I sure thought they were going higher in the sky from all the shows I had seen from the ground.  In general, it was underwhelming, but still cool to see.

[bd32322]

It will be a nice photo op, if by chance, multiple towns start off fireworks at the same time

 

[Seth]

Had a cross country back from Massachusetts to Maryland after attending a 4th of July BBQ in 2009.  My girlfriend at the time and I knew we were going to miss the fireworks in Maryland so I told her to keep her eyes alert.  The sun set and literally small fireworks explosions occured 360 degrees around us for the rest of the flight.  We were up at if I recall, 6000 feet, so they were WAY below us, but it was neat that in every single direction you looked there was a small display of fireworks going on.  We were closer to 3000, and 2500 near Baltimore when vectored to W00 (Freeway where I was based at the time) and that's just about when the fireworks stopped.  That was a good flight, a great day, and a fantastic memory. 

As others have said - very different view and pretty neat. 

Most fireworks do not exceed 1000 AGL, but I'd get a briefing as they'll give you the information on NOTAMs that have been filed regarding many official displays.  Maybe figure out where they displays will be and then chart a path to fly between them so you have good displays on all sides of the orbiting aircraft.

Take care,

-Seth 

[MooneyMitch]

Should we have a repeat weather pattern from last night here in Pismo Beach, CA, almost full moon and clear, we are going to view fireworks from the air. 

Pismo Pier sets off a pretty good show, as do the tons of campers along the beach here at Oceano Dunes.  It is just too much fun! 

We've got a few surprises of our own too!! 

Happy Independence Day to everyone!

[MooneyMitch]

Here comes the sun.....................

[kerry]

They set fireworks off next to our local airport.  The best place to view them is on the airport.  The echo's are intense against the metal hangers.  This is my favorite holiday.   Happy 4th of July.

[RJBrown]

Most fireworks are WAY below if you are at 1000' AGL. Before 911 we circled the baseball stadium during the show. Not real impressive. But any excuse to fly, right! 

[FloridaMan]

What else is sortof cool is when there's a fair. The state fair near Tampa is a little removed from the city, so it looks like a pinball machine when you're in the pattern at KVDF.