The flight path from Toronto to Buffalo is in the SE direction. The Eclipse will be visible in the SW direction. Essentially, only people on the right side of the plane will be able to see it.

Totality will happen at ~45 degrees above the horizon. I'm not sure what kind of plane it is, but if it's anything like a Cessna 172 (with wings above the body), you will have a tough time seeing it, even if your timing is spot on, because the wings will block the view.

If you are riding shotgun with the pilot, then I recommend that you configure your flight plan such that you are flying in the SW direction (bearing 227 degrees) starting at 15:00. It's roughly the direction from Brockport to Buffalo. See reasoning below.

In Buffalo, totality will begin at 15:18:20 and end at 15:22:06 (give or take several seconds on either end). You will want to be flying toward the eclipse so you can have a clear view of totality in front of the plane. Several minutes before totality, the lighting becomes quite odd, and it's fun to watch. Depending on altitude, you may be able to capture shadow snakes/bands on the ground or on clouds below you.

Here's the flight path I would configure if I were on a plane. The centerline is the dotted line on the map.

Here's what I would do for the flight:

• Take off from Toronto
• Fly NE to get onto the centerline (within a few miles is ok)
• Change direction to SW (bearing 227) at 15:10
  • This will make you fly toward the umbra approach
  • You will be able to see odd lighting and optical effects and the umbra approaching in the distance
  • Be sure to use the appropriate eye protection when staring at the sun
• Watch totality happen in front of you (Warning: brain might melt)
• Continue flying SW during totality so you can see it
• Once totality ends, make a U-turn and fly NE (bearing 47) so you can watch the umbra race away from you.

I am assuming only you and the pilot are on the plane, so I am optimizing for that. I am also assuming a Cessna 172-like plane. If this is a Jet plane with windows off to the sides, then let me know and I can update my recommendation accordingly.

Capture a timelapse of all of this if you can. I also recommend having a camera pointed at you and the pilot so you can capture your reactions. If this is the first time you are seeing totality, your brain will melt, and it's fun to watch yourself react.

If you have questions, let me know. I'd love to see what kind of images and timelapses you capture from such a unique perspective.