AOPA Pilot Magazine - October 2021 - 39

DEST INAT IONS /
The other
Portland
Fly the harbor visual at PWM
BY DAVE HIRSCHMAN
OF AL L THE scenic approaches to America's airports, the harbor visual to Runway 29 at
Portland International Jetport is among the most memorable. Swoop over the Atlantic
Ocean and the rocky coast of southern Maine at 3,000 feet or less, then spot the lighthouses:
Cape Elizabeth is first when arriving from the south, followed by Portland Head,
Ram Island Ledge, and finally the Portland Breakwater.
Cross over the islands on the way to the harbor entrance, then follow the water as it
narrows to a point at the Fore River. Overfly the bridges and roll out on a heading of 290
degrees the runway lights are directly before you.
The most challenging aspect of flying the approach is keeping yourself from staring
at the magnificent coastline, a dazzling variety of boats, the bustling harbor itself, and the
city of Portland, which stands atop a hilly peninsula, and the office buildings seem to be
at eye level on the right side of the airplane as you get close to the airport. Oh, and watch
out for seagulls, of which there are many.
Once you land, there are two highly rated FBOs: Northeast Air and MAC Jets.
We chose MAC Jets because of Sue Stevens, the effervescent problem solver who works
behind the counter. Within minutes of our unscheduled arrival, she'd arranged a hangar
for our Piper Super Cub (thunderstorms were in the forecast) and found us a car and a
hotel-none of which were easy because we'd foolishly arrived during " camp weekend "
when thousands of East Coast parents come to Maine to drop off their children. (Other
times to avoid are " parents' weekend " at summer camp and closing weekend.)
MAC Jets was founded by Al Caruso, part of a legendary New England aviation family,
and he often commutes to work in his own Piper Super Cub. Within minutes of our arrival,
Caruso had ushered our airplane inside and provided detailed information about fun or
out-of-the-way places to fly in his home state. (The Owls Head Transportation Museum
at Knox County Regional Airport is near the top of the list.)
The Portland airport itself is divided between passenger airlines on the north side and
GA on the south. And even though they share runways and radio frequencies, they operate
quite independently. Also, airline traffic is relatively light, even in summer, so GA pilots
won't feel outnumbered. The airspace surrounding Portland is Class C, and the controllers
are exceptionally friendly and adept at coordinating aircraft ranging from amphibious
floatplanes and single-engine trainers to corporate jets and airliners.
Jeff Van West, creative director at PilotWorkshops and a longtime Portland resident,
humbly described his city as " the best place on the planet to live and fly. "
" The best season here is fall, and the best month is September, " he said. " There aren't
any thunderstorms then. The leaves are changing. And the cold hasn't set in yet. "
One weather phenomenon that can
complicate flying in fall is sea fog. It can
roll in at just about any time of day and
drop visibility below instrument landing
minimums. Thankfully, however,
the fog is usually quite localized, and
nearby airports often remain clear to
use as alternates.
The city of Portland itself has a
vibrant " hipster lite " vibe that's reminiscent
of Boston or Seattle without
the pretension. Families bring young
children and dogs downtown to play
in the parks, board ferry boats to outlying
islands, ply the harbor, and enjoy the
many restaurants and microbreweries.
Local recommendations include Sisters
Gourmet Deli, The Holy Donut, and the
Mr. Tuna lunch truck.
dave.hirschman@aopa.org
WHY YOU SHOULD GO /
History, coastline, sailing, seafood,
microbreweries, and flying the " harbor
visual " approach. The harbor visual
requires a ceiling of at least 3,000 feet
and four miles visibility, so time your
arrival accordingly.
GETTING THERE /
Northeast Air and MAC Jets are fine
FBOs, and both offer self-serve avgas.
Northeast has more ramp space, and
MAC Jets has Sue Stevens.
AOPA PILOT / October 2021
39

AOPA Pilot Magazine - October 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of AOPA Pilot Magazine - October 2021