Wheels Up: New Orleans to Gulfport Views from the Cockpit • Southern Chick Journal

When our friend offered to take my husband and me on a sunset flight from New Orleans to Gulfport one beautiful fall evening, I had to put my fear of flying aside because I didn’t want to miss out on the experience!

I feel so lucky to call such a beautiful part of the country home. The Gulf South is definitely a fisherman’s paradise, with swamps, lakes, rivers, wildlife, and the Gulf of Mexico at your fingertips. Seeing it from a 1972 Cessna single-engine plane was extra special.

The plane: A 1972 Cessna fixed wing single engine that seats 6.

The pilot, Pike Howard (our friend) and his co-pilot who has a fear of flying, yours truly!

The setting sun over New Orleans. This view shows how winding the Mississippi River is in this area. The deepest place on the Mississippi River is 200-feet deep and is located near Algiers Point in New Orleans.

New Orleans and the mighty Mississippi River from above. The Mississippi River is the third largest watershed in the world

A view of Slidell, Louisiana, about a 40 minute drive from New Orleans. The city has an elevation of 13 feet and is surrounded by water, as you can see.

Soaking up the views from above. And PS: little did I know I was pregnant at this time!!

A look inside the cockpit. Preparing for landing in Gulfport

A look at New Orleans and the Mississippi River as we make our approach to the airport.

View of the Lakefront Airport and Lake Ponchartrain in New Orleans. This huge brackish (a mix of salt and fresh water) lake covers 630 square miles!

Round trip, the flight was about 45 minutes. Such a fun experience!

New Orleans to Gulfport flight was a success! I hope you enjoyed these gorgeous views of my backyard and, if you don’t live in this area, plan a trip to visit the beautiful Gulf Coast.

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