The takeoff scenery from Concord is more visually distinctive and dramatic than the landing approach. Mount Diablo and the Bay Area geography offer more memorable views than the relatively uniform Upper Peninsula forest landscape.
Flown CCR to IMT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Concord to Kingsford is 1,812 miles (2,916 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Sierra Nevada mountains (visible as a major ridge system in the distance during the first 90 minutes), then transitions over the Great Basin and eventually approaches the Great Lakes region. Notable midpoint landmarks include the Cascade Range in northern California/Oregon (visible as a distant ridge line), and the transition from high desert terrain to the forested Great Lakes watershed. Lake Superior's southern shore becomes visible in the final approach phase.
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from CCR
LEFTLeft side offers views of the San Francisco Bay Area's eastern shoreline and the Diablo Range as you climb northeastward. Right side faces inland toward less distinctive terrain.
Landing at IMT
RIGHTRight side provides views of Lake Michigan and the Upper Peninsula's forested landscape during descent into Ford Airport. Left side faces less visually distinctive inland terrain.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Buchanan Field (CCR) to Ford Airport (IMT)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Concord to Kingsford. The takeoff scenery from Concord is more visually distinctive and dramatic than the landing approach. Mount Diablo and the Bay Area geography offer more memorable views than the relatively uniform Upper Peninsula forest landscape.
What can I see during takeoff from Buchanan Field in Concord?
During takeoff from Buchanan Field (CCR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the San Francisco Bay Area's eastern shoreline and the Diablo Range as you climb northeastward. Right side faces inland toward less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay (eastern shore), Mount Diablo (3,849 ft, visible as a prominent peak southeast), Suisun Bay, Carquinez Strait.
What can I see when landing at Ford Airport in Kingsford?
When landing at Ford Airport (IMT), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of Lake Michigan and the Upper Peninsula's forested landscape during descent into Ford Airport. Left side faces less visually distinctive inland terrain. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan (western shore), Menominee River (forms Michigan-Wisconsin border), Upper Peninsula mixed forest and wetlands, Menominee Range foothills.
How long is the flight from Concord to Kingsford?
The flight from Buchanan Field (CCR) to Ford Airport (IMT) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,812 miles (2,916 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Concord to Kingsford flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Sierra Nevada mountains (visible as a major ridge system in the distance during the first 90 minutes), then transitions over the Great Basin and eventually approaches the Great Lakes region. Notable midpoint landmarks include the Cascade Range in northern California/Oregon (visible as a distant ridge line), and the transition from high desert terrain to the forested Great Lakes watershed. Lake Superior's southern shore becomes visible in the final approach phase.