It Has Happened. After several failed attempts, I have flown the NYC East River route. Well, not failed flights. These prior attempts didn’t happen because of FAA restrictions for VIPs or ballgames at Yankee Stadium, and due to bad weather. But today the weather was ok (not good), and the FAA smiled on me Big Time. So after again flying the wonderful Hudson River route to Governors Island off the southern tip of Manhattan, I heard the magic words to go “Proceed direct to the East River.” 😀
3186 Magic Turn
As you can see, it was more hazy than yesterday and the clouds made the photos slightly less amazing for everyone but me. I was happier than a bee in a pollen pasture. I’d been telling myself, “Oh, the East River is just another angle on Manhattan. No worries if it doesn’t happen. (I was lying to myself, as you’re well aware)
3198 Looking Back
Looking back at the Brooklyn Bridge and Wall Street area I was sort of in disbelief. Living a dream I’ve imagined many times, and even “flown” in Google Earth a time or two. Then my first time seeing the U.N. building from the air, along with the closest view ever of two of my fav scraper “friends”: Empire State & Chrysler.
3215 U.N. & Friends
But things got a little crazy in the Good Fortune department when the controller said in code, “You’re doing well, permission granted to live the impossible dream.” Now on prior flights in this region I’ve heard other pilots routinely enjoy the treat I was about to experience. But the controllers probably know those pilots, and the pilots clearly know how to express their desire in a way that conveys their comfort with the complex airspace. So it was muy cool when the controller said Tripp was “Cleared to cross the park.” Meaning of course, Central Park!
3238 Central Park Crossing
OK, now maybe this hazy snap is ho hum for you (if not, click it to see the larger version), but for me it’s like a snapshot of nirvana. I Was Here! 😀
Maybe just as powerful is the unspoken certainty that I’ll Be Back. 😉
Best of all, I got to share this moment with Amazing Anne and our dear Bob & Enid. Plenty more pix of course, but these are my favs so far. After flying back up the Hudson out of the special route we took a detour to see their sweet Home at the base of a cliff in Nyack.
3333 Nyack Nest
Just as every Hudson flight has loomed large in my dreams and memories, today’s flight up the East River and Beyond with four fav people will brighten the rest of my days.
John & Anne Wiley 
Someday I’ll check this flight off my bucket list, but for now it will remain a distant dream that I have lived vicariously through you.
Comment by David — 2013/04/23 @ 17:35