The Challenges & Advantages Of Early Morning Flights From A Pilot’s Perspective

Watching the sun rise above the eastern horizon at 30,000 feet is a special treat. What starts as a hint of light on the edge of the Earth quickly turns to an amber burn, followed by the colors of fire in the sky before the sun crests over the horizon line. There are two ways to get this view: fly a redeye (either transcontinental domestic or international) or wake up well before the crack of dawn. This article will focus on the latter scenario and address some of the challenges and advantages of early morning flying.