Photos of the Week: Your Hometown, From Above

Aviation often offers a perspective that not everyone gets to see—a live look at topography from above as well as the crowns of skyscrapers and city skylines.

It’s a scene that only mapmakers envisioned prior to the advent of aviation. And yet, for all the hustle and bustle in getting to your flight on time, a simple look out the window and seeing your hometown’s profile from above can inspire wonder and awe.

Brian Hoebel snapped the below photo from the seat of a Southwest Boeing 737 flying from Atlanta to Pittsburgh. As the plane heads west along the Ohio River toward Pittsburgh International Airport, Downtown Pittsburgh is nestled in the center of the shot. You can see the region’s rolling hills beyond, amplifying its natural beauty.

And from this angle, onlookers can easily see why Downtown is called the Golden Triangle!

Above, Jessica Kellems sent us this artful photo of a Spirit flight at PIT being guided into the gate—its own home of sorts.

Thanks Brian and Jessica!

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.

A Southwest Airlines 737 flies past downtown Pittsburgh while on approach into PIT. (Photo submitted by Brian Hoebel)