From Sydney to San Francisco, pilots for British Airways reveal the best views from above

WHEN it comes to the ideal place for a spot of sightseeing, it’s hard to get better than the pointy end of the plane. Here are the 10 best views from the skies, according to British Airways pilots.

Who wouldn’t want to be a pilot with views like this?

WHEN it comes to the ideal place for a spot of sightseeing, it’s hard to get better than the pointy end of the plane, where lucky pilots get to soak up the best views Earth has to offer in an office that the rest of us could only dream of having.

Our jealousy has soared to new heights with the release of a survey by British Airways of their pilots’ favourite destinations seen from above.

The pilots were asked to chose from the airline’s 180+ different routes, and came up with a top 10 list.

Here are the winners, along with pilots explaining why they are so incredible.

1. Northern Lights, North America

Captain Dave Willsher: “If you’re not already asleep this is an amazing sight three to four hours into most long North America flights. Well worth staying up for.”

Still awake? Picture: Jason Jenkins

2. Central London, approach into Heathrow

Captain Mark Mannering-Smith: “Most flights approach Heathrow from the east — a great opportunity to get an unbeatable view of London.”

Wave hi to the Poms. Picture: Advait Supnekar

Another Heathrow shot. Picture: Jessica Spengler

Coming in to land. Picture: Andy Mitchell

3. Mont Blanc, Pisa

First Officer Caroline Robinson: “A breathtaking view of the Alps, and especially of Mont Blanc.”

The majestic Alps.

4. Sydney Harbour

Captain Derek May: “When leaving Sydney, sit on the right hand side of the aircraft to get the best views of Sydney Harbour.”

There’s a lot to see at Sydney Harbour.

Meanwhile, flying over South Sydney.

An aerial photo of Goat Island on Sydney Harbour.

View of Manly, with Sydney Harbour and the city centre in the background.

5. Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, San Francisco

Captain Simon Scholey: “You get great views of the bridge on the left hand side of the aircraft, Alcatraz from the right, and the bay from both!”

It’s a pretty cool sight. Picture: Paul Williams

The Golden Gate Bridge.

Flying over San Francisco. Picture: Jessica “The Hun” Reeder

6. Greenland, North Atlantic flights

Senior First Officer Peter Nye: “Greenland is visually stunning. The tips of mountains can be seen poking through the snow which is over a mile deep. Occasionally you will be able to see icebergs carving off glaciers around the coast.”

Ice, ice, baby. Picture: My Faily Sublime

A frozen meltwater lake along the northeast Greenland coast. Picture: NASA

7. Venetian canals

First Officer Joanne Tait: “This is especially good on a departure to the north east as you circle back over the city.”

Venice down below.

8. Cape Town, Table Mountain

Senior First Officer Kate Laidler: “On early morning arrivals from the north it’s great for Table Mountain and the bay.”

Cape Town aerial view.

9. Dubrovnik

Captain Al Bridger: “It’s a terrific approach into Dubrovnik over the bay to the north east.”

Dubrovnik from above.

10. Mount Fuji

Captain Chris Hanson: “Whether arriving or departing from Tokyo (Narita) you can see Mount Fuji sticking out of the clouds.”

Pilots enjoy great views of Mount Fuji.

What a ride.