Register

Pittsburgh Offers Steel, Coal, Culture, and Much More

A flying visit to the Pennsylvania city had languished on the travel wish list for decades until last year.

Downtown skyline and vintage incline in Pittsburgh at sunset. [Adobe Stock]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The author and his son flew their private plane to Pittsburgh for a volleyball tournament, finding the 2.5-hour general aviation flight significantly faster and more convenient than the 6-hour drive.
  • Allegheny County Airport (KAGC) is presented as a historically significant and strategically convenient general aviation airport for accessing Pittsburgh, being closer to the city center than the international airport.
  • Pittsburgh offers a rich array of attractions, including unique geography with three rivers and historic inclines, diverse architecture, cultural sites like the Andy Warhol Museum, and easily walkable sports venues, providing ample exploration opportunities.
See a mistake? Contact us.

A visit to Pittsburgh had languished on my travel wish list for decades until I finally made the trip last year, thanks to the Steel City Freeze. The Freeze is an annual youth volleyball tournament and February tradition in which my son, Ben, and his club team participate.

Our visit was almost perfect, with exciting matches, great competition, and enough spare time to enjoy some of the city’s attractions. The only downside was the drive, which took about six hours from our home in New Jersey. As we crept on a congested section of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, I glanced at Ben and said, “Let’s fly next time.”

Jonathan Welsh

Jonathan Welsh is Lead Editor of Aviation Consumer and a private pilot who worked as a reporter, editor and columnist with the Wall Street Journal for 21 years, mostly covering the auto industry. His passion for aviation began in childhood with balsa-wood gliders his aunt would buy for him at the corner store. Follow Jonathan on Twitter @JonathanWelsh4

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE