Battling Bad Weather & Windshear on the Canarsie Approach to JFK Runway 13L

Bad Weather & Windshear flying Canarsie Approach to 13L at JFK

There are few approaches in the United States — or anywhere in the world — that test a pilot’s skills like the Canarsie Approach into Runway 13L at New York JFK. Known for its tight, curved path over Brooklyn, this visual approach demands precision, timing, and situational awareness. But throw in low visibility, bad weather, and windshear, and you're in for a real challenge.

The Canarsie Approach isn’t straight-in. Your turn continues well into the short final, meaning there’s little time to stabilize before touchdown. As seen in our cockpit video, you need to have the runway in sight early — and that’s not always possible in stormy conditions. If you can't spot it in time, you're going around. Add windshear to the mix, and things will get even more intense.

Moments like these truly showcase a crew’s professionalism and skill — and make for incredible viewing.

Watch the full video and experience this approach from the cockpit
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