Looking down at Washington DC at night, during a crystal-clear evening from 35,000 feet.

Not just a city of cultural significance, but a concentration of political power like no other in history.
Where Rome once dictated centuries of world affairs, Washington DC rose to equal, or perhaps even greater, global influence in the twentieth century. Frank Underwood’s battleground.

From right to left, we see the Capitol Building, seat of the United States Congress. In a perfectly orchestrated layout, the National Mall stretches over 2 miles (3 km) southward. Along its sides are some of the most important museums in the country, including the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.

Halfway down the Mall stands the illuminated Washington Monument, also nicknamed “the needle,” with the White House just west of it. The literal house of power.
I flashed my 747’s landing lights a few times, but I guess he was too busy or forgot, because I was expecting a press release like this, naturally:

“Let me tell you, folks: the best pilot ever passed over the White House last night, absolutely incredible, he flashed his lights just for me. Nobody flashes lights like that, believe me. Greatest guy. And the plane? Oh, the plane was unbelievable. The best plane ever built: American-made, the way it should be. Truly tremendous sight.”

Alas, maybe next time.

Further west is the Lincoln Memorial, and across the river lies Arlington National Cemetery: the United States’ most prominent military burial ground, honoring more than 400,000 service members, presidents, astronauts, and unknown soldiers.

And finally, the distinctive geometry of the Pentagon. Headquarters of the Department of Defense, home to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and one of the largest office buildings in the world.

The greatest concentration of military and political power, seen from above.
Coffee in hand, landing lights flashed, and the dark Atlantic stretches ahead for hours to come.

The centre of global power behind me, and the endless night ahead. At 35,000 feet, perspective comes easy.