Norfolk, VA, U.S.A. (The Tidewater Region)

The Flight Experience

Norfolk offers a dense, high-stakes maritime flight experience, defined by its intricate waterways, massive military infrastructure, and the constant hum of naval aviation. Situated at the junction of the Elizabeth River and the Chesapeake Bay, the region is a complex tapestry of industrial ports, historical landmarks, and coastal wetlands. The flying environment is visually overwhelming and technically busy, requiring pilots to navigate tight airspace shared with heavy military traffic.

Norfolk International Airport (KORF)

KORF serves as the civilian gateway to the Hampton Roads area, uniquely bordered by the botanical gardens and the dense urban sprawl of the Tidewater.

• The Strip: KORF features two runways: 05/23 (9,000 ft) and 14/32 (4,871 ft). Runway 05 is famous for its low approach over the trees and water, providing one of the most scenic arrivals in the Eastern U.S.

• The Challenge: Naval Airspace & Traffic: The primary challenge is the proximity to Naval Station Norfolk (KNGU) and NAS Oceana (KNTU). You are flying in a "hornets' nest" of restricted areas and military patterns. Managing your altitude while transiting between these massive hubs requires precision and constant awareness of the surrounding naval assets.

Visual Highlights

Naval Station Norfolk (KNGU): The centerpiece of the region. This is a massive, hand-crafted complex where you can see the sheer scale of the U.S. Navy. In MSFS 2024, the piers are lined with Nimitz-class aircraft carriers, destroyers, and submarines. It is a dense, asset-heavy zone that captures the immense scale of the Atlantic Fleet.

The Battleship Wisconsin (BB-64): Permanently docked at Nauticus in downtown Norfolk, the "Big Wisky" is a distinct, unmissable POI. Its massive grey silhouette stands out sharply against the glass of the downtown skyscrapers, serving as a perfect VFR landmark for low-level river runs.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel: A 17.6-mile engineering marvel that connects Virginia’s Eastern Shore to the mainland. Seeing the road dip into the man-made islands and submerge into the shipping channels is a spectacular sight from 2,000 feet.

The Port of Virginia: Gigantic blue and white ship-to-shore cranes at the Norfolk International Terminals dominate the riverfront. The level of detail on the container ships and heavy machinery provides a rich, industrial texture to the landscape.

Cape Henry Lighthouses: Located at the entrance of the bay, both the original 1792 stone tower and the "new" 1881 black-and-white striped tower are modeled as high-detail POIs, marking the transition from the bay to the open Atlantic.

Pilot’s Note: The "Carrier Row" Corridor

For a flight that tests your manual flying skills and situational awareness, take a high-performance aircraft (like the F/A-18 Super Hornet or a fast turboprop) for a low-altitude "Deck Run."

• The Maneuver: Depart KORF Runway 23, immediately turn right to follow the Elizabeth River north at 500 feet AGL.

• The Technical Goal: Maintain a steady 250 knots as you fly parallel to the carrier piers at KNGU. This maneuver requires tight altitude control to stay under the civilian approach paths while navigating the curve of the river. The visual reward is a "water-level" view of the carriers and destroyers that makes you feel the true scale of the vessels.