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View from the plane; arrival CPT

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Old Jul 7, 2021 | 8:47 pm
  #1  
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View from the plane; arrival CPT

I’ve visited CPT several times. We’ve always arrived at night, but this time I have a 10 am arrival.

I know the winds can change. I’ve seen the clouds cover Table Mountain. I know it could be raining.

But as a general rule, is there a preferred side of the plane to sit on (Window A or Window K) to get the best view on approach to CPT.
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Old Jul 8, 2021 | 4:51 am
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Originally Posted by kevinsac
I’ve visited CPT several times. We’ve always arrived at night, but this time I have a 10 am arrival.

I know the winds can change. I’ve seen the clouds cover Table Mountain. I know it could be raining.

But as a general rule, is there a preferred side of the plane to sit on (Window A or Window K) to get the best view on approach to CPT.
For sure, approaches facing the south guarantee you the best scenic views. So window K should be your pick.
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Old Jul 8, 2021 | 5:40 am
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Originally Posted by flying_blue_white_red
For sure, approaches facing the south guarantee you the best scenic views. So window K should be your pick.
Done this many times and often spectacular. If the winds are from the south/south east the landings are usually on R19 which is the southerly runway. Any other wind direction they tend to switch to northerly landings.
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Old Jul 8, 2021 | 1:57 pm
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Agree with window seat K or right side of the plane for the best opportunity to view Table Mountain on approach.
Morning arrivals offer the best likelihood for great views.
May the gods be ever in your favor!
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Old Jul 8, 2021 | 2:52 pm
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Thanks. I’ve changed my seat assignments.

Of course, we always hope the weather gods favor us!
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Old Jul 10, 2021 | 8:47 am
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Interesting. We often fly in southern winter (Aug onwards) and often have northerly winds / approach from the south when the best seats are A on the left, especially if you make the final turns over the peninsula. If empty enough you could check the forecast 24 hours ahead.
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Old Jul 10, 2021 | 12:23 pm
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Originally Posted by konagirl2
southern winter (Aug onwards).
???

After August comes spring. Winter in SA is June - August, followed by spring in September - November.

In summer, the wind in Cape Town blows from the south almost all the time. In winter, northerly winds predominate, although the balance is far less skewed.



Assuming the OP is flying in this month, northerly winds are statistically more probable than southerly ones.

Johan
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Old Jul 10, 2021 | 12:31 pm
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Originally Posted by konagirl2
Interesting. We often fly in southern winter (Aug onwards) and often have northerly winds / approach from the south when the best seats are A on the left, especially if you make the final turns over the peninsula. If empty enough you could check the forecast 24 hours ahead.
My experience has been a flyby west of Cape Town, down the peninsula, and then arcing a strong left turn to line up for the runway. A seat views were spectacular.
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