Ohio Pilot Spends Five Hours in the Air to Create Massive Nativity Scene Flight Path Visible on Radar
OHIO — Aviation watchers in Ohio witnessed an unexpected holiday surprise when a Piper Cherokee aircraft departing from Bowling Green carved an elaborate nativity scene artwork into the sky during a five-hour flight Monday evening. The radar image, captured and shared by FlightAware, shows a detailed outline of Mary, Joseph, and the manger — all drawn through a carefully planned aerial route.
The flight departed Bowling Green, Ohio, just after 5:30 PM and maintained an altitude between 3,000 and 3,500 feet as the pilot executed the intricate sky pattern. After completing the drawing, the aircraft returned to the Bowling Green airport shortly before 10:40 PM, completing what has now become a widely shared holiday moment.
How the Sky Artwork Was Created
According to the data displayed on FlightAware, the Piper Cherokee pilot mapped out a precise series of turns and altitude adjustments necessary to shape the nativity scene. The drawing includes two human figures, a cradle shape, and a surrounding frame, all formed through continuous flight tracking.
Creating such artwork requires significant advance planning, exceptional navigational accuracy, and a slow, stable pace to ensure the image appears clearly on radar. The pilot maintained consistent speed and altitude changes, which are visible in the flight graph showing shifts between 2,500 and 4,000 feet throughout the journey.
Why the Flight Captured Public Attention
Flight tracking enthusiasts were quick to share the radar outline once it appeared online, noting both the skill required and the festive creativity behind the project. Similar sky art flights have emerged over the years, but few are as detailed and symbolic as this nativity depiction.
For many viewers — including families and aviation hobbyists in places like Naperville — the gesture served as a lighthearted and uplifting moment amid the winter season. Social media reactions praised the pilot for combining technical skill with holiday spirit.
Aviation Community Reaction
Pilots familiar with the region say the Bowling Green area provides enough open airspace to allow for such extended aerial illustrations without interfering with commercial routes. The FAA has not reported any safety issues connected to the flight.
While the identity of the pilot has not been publicly released, aviation groups continue to circulate the FlightAware screenshot as a standout example of holiday-themed “sky art.”
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I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.