An aircraft viewing platform system that enables passengers to view the exterior of the aircraft while in flight includes a canopy assembly, a platform assembly supporting at least one seat, and an elevating mechanism to facilitate raising the platform into a volume of the canopy assembly extending through a fuselage cutout beyond the fuselage periphery. The system may include an actuating mechanism such as a jack screw or a telescoping system. The platform can have integrated rollers slide configured to roll in guide rails. The system can include a control panel that regulates the elevating mechanism motion. The control panel allows the viewer to move the platform. The platform can include a rotating pedestal to allow passengers have a 360 degree view of the aircraft exterior.