Take a closer Look
Excitement fills the air as we prepare for the pre-order launch of my latest photo calendar.
While flying has become commonplace for many, it still evokes a range of emotions, from the thrill of exploring distant lands to the serenity of soaring above the clouds. For me, flying is an everyday adventure, a journey that takes me above the clouds and across the globe.
Join me on the flight deck or the airport's tarmac as I share captivating moments captured through my camera lens. It is with great honor that I share my creative work, recognized as a winner at the International Photography Awards 2018. For the upcoming year I have carefully curated a collection of images inviting you to experience the beauty of flight from a pilot's perspective.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this project possible, especially my fellow pilots and internal departments for their unwavering support and permission to use the images. All pictures were taken during the non-sterile phase, on the ground, or as an observer in the third seat. For more insights into my daily adventures above the clouds, follow my Instagram account @sky_trotter and read my blog.
Because we care
Your purchase of this photo calendar goes beyond simply acquiring beautiful imagery; it signifies your active support for a meaningful cause. For every calendar sold, CHF 5 will be donated to the children's foundation of the SWISS employees (Stiftung Kinderhilfe des SWISS Personals) to provide assistance to kids in need around the world. Learn more on their website.
This project is proudly produced entirely in Switzerland in close collaboration with local businesses. All arising CO2 emissions are offset through donations to ClimatePartner, funding global climate action and ensuring carbon neutrality. Production adheres to FSC standards from wood processing to the final print, guaranteeing that the paper originates from environmentally and socially responsible forestry practices.
Thank you for joining me in making a positive impact and supporting me in my commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
Let's take a closer look.
Embark on a captivating journey through my 2025 photo calendar, offering unique glimpses into my daily life as an airline pilot. Each image captures a moment of beauty and wonder, from breathtaking aerial vistas to intimate cockpit scenes. Discover the world from a pilot's perspective and let these images transport you to the heart of aviation.
Secure your copy today and embark on this extraordinary visual adventure. Visit my shop to order your calendar now. Click here to get to get your copy>
Cover
Cleared to Land
The air traffic controller’s words mark the final moments of our one-hour journey from Vienna, Austria. With the last glow of a vibrant sunset stretching across the horizon, this Airbus A220 is just moments from touching down at Zurich Airport. The crew has guided the aircraft with a satellite-based approach—a cutting-edge navigation technology that allows pinpoint accuracy, independent of ground-based aids. This innovation is helping usher in a new era of aviation, lowering maintenance demands and operational costs while maintaining the highest safety standards. After completing all checklists, the pilot takes manual control, ready to land the 52-ton airliner smoothly on runway 28.
January
Alpine Spectacle
We are minutes away from the start of the renowned Lauberhorn Ski Race. While the fearless racers are preparing to conquer the longest downhill run in the Ski World Cup, a breathtaking airshow unfolds against the stunning backdrop of the Swiss Alps. The Patrouille Suisse, the Swiss Air Force’s aerobatic demonstration team, takes center stage as the opening act of Switzerland's biggest annual winter sports event. In 2021, their performance was elevated by the impressive presence of an Airbus A321, adding an extra layer of excitement to this unforgettable spectacle.
February
Freezing Fog
An Airbus A220 cuts through freezing fog as it completes a safe landing at Zurich Airport. The previous night’s heavy snowfall has blanketed Switzerland, and now a beautiful winter day is drawing to a close. Just after sunset, freezing fog has rolled in, adding an extra layer of challenge for both pilots and aircraft. In low-visibility conditions, the pilots rely on advanced automatic landing systems to execute the landing. This striking scene captures the resilience of aviation and safe perseverance of flight staff amid harsh winter weather, blending cutting-edge technology with nature’s serene beauty.
March
Into a new day
Enroute to Seoul, South Korea the pilots of an Airbus A340 enjoy a colorful sunrise high above China. The glow of the rising sun paints the sky in shades of pink, orange, and gold, illuminating the dissipating thunderstorms in a warm light. As the jet cruises smoothly through the Mongolian skies, the altimeters display meters instead of feet—a distinctive feature of flying through Chinese airspace. Since China is the only country using the metric system for altitude, pilots must adapt their usual references and stay vigilant in monitoring conversions, as most of the world operates in feet. In this serene moment, the flight crew balances the beauty of dawn with the technical precision of navigation.
April
Spring is in the air
Cherry blossoms symbolize the arrival of spring, their soft pink hues heralding the new season. The Airbus A330 glides by a local recreational area next to runway 22 at Geneva Airport. In just a few moments, a smooth touchdown will conclude the almost seven-hour journey home of LX23 from bustling New York. After a swift and efficient turnaround, this beauty is ready to head back across the pond, continuing to link both UN cities for more than 70 years.
May
Welcome to a Jewel of the Atlantic
We prepare to land at the edge of the map as we approach runway 12 at São Miguel. Before us, the breathtaking Azores Islands unfold—an enchanting archipelago in the heart of the Atlantic. Renowned for their lush landscapes and dramatic volcanic peaks, these hidden gems boast unique geological features like crater lakes, hot springs, and stunning cliffs. Ponta Delgada–João Paulo II Airport serves as the air travel gateway to this paradise, with its short runway perched on a cliff overlooking the mesmerizing North Atlantic. Navigating to such a remote destination is no small feat; the flight crew’s meticulous preparation addresses unpredictable weather, limited radar coverage, and additional navigation challenges.
June
Evening Rush Hour
This Airbus A321 glides over Zurich’s bustling motorway just moments before touching down on runway 28 at ZRH. Below, headlights weave through the city’s lifelines as evening commuters rush home. Zurich Airport serves as a gateway to Switzerland connecting not only the biggest city but also the country itself to the world thus sustaining thousands of local jobs and enriching the economy.
July
Cielo Electtrico
We cruise gracefully over the enchanting landscapes of Tuscany while the last light of a hot summers day fades on the horizon to the west. Below, the glowing lights of Bologna and Emilia-Romagna twinkle like a constellation, accompanied by the unmistakable chatter on the radio—a reminder of the vibrant Italian life unfolding beneath us. As we soar into the night, distant flashes of thunderstorms illuminate the horizon, nature’s dramatic response to the lingering summer heat. Just a few miles ahead, another aircraft leaves a delicate contrail in the twilight sky, a silent companion on our journey home.
August
On Island Time
As the summer sun beats down on Santorini’s tarmac, the Airbus A220 is prepared for its flight back to Geneva. Passengers board, captivated by the sleek silhouette of the new airliner against the dazzling Aegean Sea. With sun-kissed faces glowing from the island’s iconic blue and white vistas, they ascend the steps, many reluctantly leaving behind the idyllic cliffside towns and winding cobblestone paths. Below, the ground crew diligently loads their bags filled with souvenirs and memories. In the cockpit, pre-flight checks ensure an on-time departure, all synchronized in the delicate rhythm of a quick turnaround.
September
Busy Skies
The air traffic controllers are busy coordinating the skies around Zurich Airport during the midday inbound wave. Just 1,000 feet below us, a Boeing 777 circles peacefully west of the airport, waiting for its turn to start the approach. Holding patterns are essential for air traffic management, helping to regulate the flow of traffic during busy periods at airports. As we await our turn to land, we follow a predetermined oval or racetrack-shaped course, starting at a designated waypoint. Aircraft stack above one another, with the lowest plane typically allowed to begin its final descent first, enabling the others to lower their altitude in sequence. This aerial ballet not only enhances safety but also showcases the intricate choreography required to navigate the bustling skies during peak hours.
October
Colorful Homecoming
After a long journey home from California, we’re perfectly aligned with Zurich’s runway 14. With landing checklists complete, we take a moment to soak in the breathtaking view from the cockpit. Autumn has arrived in full, painting the landscape in warm, earthy tones. The majestic Alps tower in the background, while the colorful patchwork of forests around the airport forms a vivid, textured blanket below. Moments like these remind us of the unique beauty of our "office"—witnessing the changing seasons and landscapes from above.
November
The Pre-Flight Symphony
A captivating view from the engine of the Boeing 777 reveals the bustling tarmac at Zurich Airport. Flight LX92 prepares for its late evening departure to Brazil, with the ground crew swiftly loading the cargo holds. Meanwhile, the pilot conducts a meticulous pre-flight check, ensuring every detail is in order. For a long-haul flight to take off, an orchestrated harmony unfolds, where dedication, professionalism, and technology seamlessly need to come together for an on-time departure.
December
Soaring Through Christmas Skies
The moonlit contrail of a fellow flight traces a fine line across the winter sky as we approach Swiss airspace. Below, the warm lights of Lyon and the western tip of Switzerland shine through a thick blanket of fog. While families gather at home to celebrate Christmas, airline crews work tirelessly in the air, ensuring passengers reach their destinations. They are above the clouds or at distant places all year round, even during the holidays. This dedication often means spending Christmas far from home, deepening our appreciation for the moments we do have with our loved ones.
Get your copy today
Did you enjoy these impressions from my daily life as an airline pilot? Head over to my shop to get your copy today.
Kommentar schreiben