The Flight Experience: Shreveport ("Port City")

The Flight Experience Shreveport offers a journey through the heart of the Ark-La-Tex, where the winding Red River dictates the rhythm of the sky. Navigating Shreveport is an exercise in following the water; the city and its twin, Bossier City, are tethered together by a series of iconic bridges that serve as the primary visual anchors for any pilot.

The airspace is a fascinating mix of civilian and heavy strategic military traffic. To the east, the massive footprint of Barksdale Air Force Base (KBAD) dominates the horizon, creating a "no-fly" tension that keeps civilian pilots on their toes. Navigating the narrow corridor between Shreveport Regional (KSHV) and the Barksdale restricted airspace requires disciplined altitude management and a sharp eye for the heavy B-52s that often loom large in the pattern.

Visual Highlights

• The Red River S-Curves: The lifeblood of the region, the Red River carves a dramatic, silty path through the landscape. In MSFS 2024, the enhanced water masks show the contrast between the muddy river and the lush, green bayous that branch off into the surrounding wetlands.

• The Neon Skyline: Shreveport’s downtown is defined by its riverfront casinos. From the cockpit, the glass towers of Bally’s and Sam’s Town reflect the Louisiana sun by day and glow with neon by night, marking the transition from the historic CBD to the water’s edge.

• The "Mighty Eighth" Runway: Looking across the river to Bossier City, you’ll see one of the longest runways in the world at Barksdale AFB. Seeing rows of Boeing B-52 Stratofortress's lined up on the apron is a sight unique to this patch of the world, providing a sense of scale that few other airports can match.

• Independence Stadium: Located just west of the downtown core, this massive bowl is a primary VFR reporting point. Its distinct shape makes it the perfect marker for pilots turning base for a landing at the Downtown Airport (KDTN).

Pilot’s Note: The "Casino Run" Challenge

For a true test of low-level precision and airframe handling, try the "Casino Run."

The Challenge: Depart Shreveport Downtown (KDTN) and immediately bank south, staying below 1,000ft to remain clear of the Barksdale approach path. Your goal is to "thread the needle" by flying directly down the centre of the Red River, keeping the Shreveport skyline on your right and the Bossier City casinos on your left.

As you pass under the Texas Street Bridge (watch your vertical clearance!), you must immediately manage a sharp climbing turn to the west to avoid the Barksdale restricted zone. The objective is to transition from the river's low-level "trench" to a 1,500ft orbit exactly over Independence Stadium without overshooting your bank angle. It’s a high-workload manoeuvre that requires a constant scan of your instruments while keeping your eyes locked on the river’s winding bends!