Aviation can provide the best backdrops sometimes.

Sure, we’re biased. But many others will be quick to agree. Often, the greatest part about flying are the views from the wing, as we have featured in Blue Sky News before.

However, the best views are not limited to flying 30,000 feet above the Earth. Sometimes looking up from the ground can be just as rewarding.

Take Ted Stevens International Airport in Anchorage, Alaska. Surrounded by majestic mountains and bustling every day with passenger and cargo traffic, Anchorage is a popular bucket list item for many planespotters and av geeks to visit.

Casper Wood’s photo captures the amazing scenery in this photo of an Everts Air Cargo MD-83 freighter lifting off from the runway at Anchorage. The airport’s control tower and a large mountain provide a stunning backdrop.

Cool views are not unique to Alaska, however. They can even occur right in our own backyard.

Nina Mulcahy managed to photograph this beautiful evening sunset from the Hyatt Regency at Pittsburgh International Airport while staying overnight before a trip to Tampa the next day.

Thanks, Casper and Nina!

Our readers continue to pass along shots of unique aircraft, international airports, historical events, gorgeous views and even family vacation photos for this feature. We love them! Keep them coming—you can click here for submission guidelines.

The sun sets over Pittsburgh International Airport. (Photo submitted by Nina Mulcahy)