The takeoff from Pasco offers more dramatic and varied scenery (Blue Mountains, Columbia River, Wallula Gap) than the landing approach to Mesa. Right-side seats capture the most visually interesting portion of the flight.
Flown PSC to AZA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Pasco to Mesa is 978 miles (1,574 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the high desert plateau of central Oregon and northern California, passing east of the Cascade Range. Notable features include the John Day River valley (visible from altitude in central Oregon), the transition from green Willamette Valley agricultural lands to arid high desert, and the vast expanse of the Great Basin with scattered volcanic features and dry lake beds. As the aircraft approaches Arizona, the terrain transitions from sagebrush plateau to the more rugged topography near the Colorado Plateau's southern edge, with occasional volcanic cones and mesas visible in the distance.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PSC
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Blue Mountains to the southeast and the Columbia River valley as the aircraft climbs southbound. The terrain immediately south of Pasco is more visually interesting than the flat agricultural plains to the north and west.
Landing at AZA
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of the Salt River and the Phoenix metropolitan area's eastern edge as the aircraft descends on approach to Mesa Gateway. The Salt River valley and surrounding desert terrain are more visually distinctive than the flat terrain to the right (east).
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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 Tri Cities Airport (PSC) to Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Pasco to Mesa. The takeoff from Pasco offers more dramatic and varied scenery (Blue Mountains, Columbia River, Wallula Gap) than the landing approach to Mesa. Right-side seats capture the most visually interesting portion of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Tri Cities Airport in Pasco?
During takeoff from Tri Cities Airport (PSC), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Blue Mountains to the southeast and the Columbia River valley as the aircraft climbs southbound. The terrain immediately south of Pasco is more visually interesting than the flat agricultural plains to the north and west. Notable sights include: Blue Mountains (southeast), Columbia River (visible winding through the valley below), Wallula Gap (the river's dramatic passage through ridges), Rattlesnake Mountain (to the south).
What can I see when landing at Mesa Gateway Airport in Mesa?
When landing at Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Salt River and the Phoenix metropolitan area's eastern edge as the aircraft descends on approach to Mesa Gateway. The Salt River valley and surrounding desert terrain are more visually distinctive than the flat terrain to the right (east). Notable sights include: Salt River (winding through the valley), Phoenix metropolitan sprawl (to the northwest), Superstition Mountains (to the east), Apache Trail corridor (visible as a line through the desert).
How long is the flight from Pasco to Mesa?
The flight from Tri Cities Airport (PSC) to Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 978 miles (1,574 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Pasco to Mesa flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the high desert plateau of central Oregon and northern California, passing east of the Cascade Range. Notable features include the John Day River valley (visible from altitude in central Oregon), the transition from green Willamette Valley agricultural lands to arid high desert, and the vast expanse of the Great Basin with scattered volcanic features and dry lake beds. As the aircraft approaches Arizona, the terrain transitions from sagebrush plateau to the more rugged topography near the Colorado Plateau's southern edge, with occasional volcanic cones and mesas visible in the distance.