Macho Beach and airplanes over heads. Saint-Martin Island

There is an unusual airport that is considered one of the most dangerous in the world ..

Princess Juliana International Airport is located in the Netherlands part of the island, and is unique in that his runway starts almost right at Macho Beach, and since its length is not very large (only 2300 meters), all airplanes enter landing Very low height right above the beach.

Staging and make breathtaking images of low-tailed aircraft - perhaps one of the most popular activities in numerous tourists going on the beach of Maho Beach during arrival aircraft. In many local bars and cafes, you can see the schedule for their arrival.

But, despite such a harmless event from the side, like a landing of a liner, it can represent a real danger to people standing under the beach.

And the point is not even that the liner can fall on people, by the way, in the entire history of the existence of the airport (operating since 1942), there have never been such incidents. Problems - in jet jets from chasing and taking off liners that can carry you into the water. The authorities constantly warn about it - besides the barbed wire on the fence adopted for those who want to sit on it, many corresponding shields are placed along the beaches.

In the entire history of the airport, there were only 3 incidents here, two of them in the vicinity of the early 80s of the last century, and one at the airport itself recently - January 14, 2014.

In 1970, the passenger plane McDonnell Douglas DC-9 flying to Sint Martin from the United States after several unsuccessful attempts at the airport in bad weather made a forced landing right to the Caribbean Sea. Died 22 of 57 passengers and one of the crew members. It turned out that the liner ended the fuel due to several attempts to plant an aircraft, and most people died due to the fact that they were not informed by the crew about the upcoming tight fit on the water because of which they were not prepared and the seat belts were not fastened.

The second catastrophe occurred on December 21, 1972 with a small twenty-bed aircraft de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter. He crashed at night in the ocean near Saint Marten on the way from Guadeloupe, all 11 passengers were killed on board together with two pilots.

And the third incident happened a couple of days ago, when the Boenig-747 of the Netherlands KLM airline following the parking lot after landing during the turn left instead of turning right - due to its at least 17 cars parked nearby were damaged by its jet jet. They were knocked out a glass and a paint coating damaged, while the affected people were not reported.

Princess Airport Juliana in the Dutch part of Saint-Martin Island is one of the largest aircraft of the Caribbean region. Is among the top ten dangerous airports World. In the seventeenth century, the conquistadors were deposited for a long time, but they could not worry the island, which was divided between the Netherlands and France according to the oldest agreement of 1648. By the way, de Yura's strength is still a contract. In 1942, a flight field was hurried here, which is now international Airport. Named in honor of the Queen of the Netherlands, which visited here as crownprinces in 1944, a year after the opening of the airport.

The length of the runway is only 2,180 meters - this is hard enough for large liners. For heavy aircraft, such as Boeing 747 or Airbus A340, this is not enough - but there are no other options for landing. Pilots are planting a liner for landing right above the famous beach of Macho Beach. That is why this place is so popular among the playyngotters. Beach Maho - perfect place For detailed looking at low flying aircraft. It is difficult to believe in the authenticity of the pictures: Giant liners, fly at an altitude of 10-20 meters above the vacationers. Despite the extraordinary conditions of take-off and landing, not a single accident here is not fixed here.

Saint-Martin Island is the smallest piece of sushi in the world with dual citizenship. The northern part is regulated by the French government, the South Party is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. English in the course of both sides, Dutch is official language On the south side, and French, respectively, on the northern half of the island. On the island of two capitals - Marigot (Marigot) and Philipsburg (Philipsburg). Speaking Saint-Martin, they mean the French part of the island, and Saint-Martin (or Sint-Maarten) - the Dutch part. There is also an airport on the French side of the island near the city of Marigot, called Aéroport de Grand Case.

Terminal

A new four-storey building offers all the services you need on the road. Air-conditioned premises, shops, pharmacies, ATMs, taxi racks and information. Wi-Fi in the terminal everywhere.

You can plant a liner in this unusual airport in a popular game - Microsoft flight simulator Flight simulator X. In the full version of the program, this mission is called "CARIBBEAN LANDING".

How to get

Take a car rental. Here are the following car rental companies:

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Right and immediately book a car of any class on official sites.

Taxi without tired ride all over the island. Moving from the airport to the nearest town Philipsburg will cost about $ 30.

Shatals from the airport run throughout the island. They do not have the numbers, the route is written on the bus. The island is small, any transport free moves throughout.

There are hotel shutters. Many hotels on the coast have their own shuttle service.

Incredible facts

The most incredible airport is located on Sint Martin Island in the Caribbean Sea. The oddity of this airport is that airplanes, entering the landing, fly in meters above the beach with vacationers there tourists, and the tunched strip itself begins very close to the shore.

Looking at the photo of the landing Boeing and Airbasov, it may seem that this is just a joke of lovers to play with Photoshop, but the reality is as follows: the territory of the island is so small, and wishing to come here so much that you have to save place.

The slightest pilot error, and can be in the water.

Airplanes enter the landing, anxious celestial rest vacationers.

The airport was built to serve Sint Martin. In the eastern part of the Caribbean region, this airport is the second on the workload.

The runway is very small and starts only 12 meters from the beach, having a length of only 2180 meters.

Fortunately, there were no reports of any catastrophes in the area of \u200b\u200bthis dangerous airport.

Those who fear acute sensations will prefer the other, less "nervous place" to relax.

1) Airport at Caribbean Island Saba. The runway of this airport is in sufficient strange place: on both of her ends - cliffs. However, the pilot pilot is worth noting the plane in the right place if there is at least some runway.

Similar situation is observed on island Madeira where the scope is available on one side of the strip. Some time ago, this airport used bad glory, as he had a too short runway, which was clamped on one side by the mountains, and on the other - the ocean. Later the band was expanded and increased its size halve, setting the bridge with the colon on one side.

Mountain Airport

2) Courchevel Airport (France). Courchevel - title ski resort in french Alpswho is annually visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists. The easiest way to get to these places is to take a plane.

Do you think that in the mountains it is impossible to build an airport? You can, albeit a bit strange. Kursavel Airport has a very short runway - only 525 meters long, and with a bias of 18.5 degrees!

3) Barra Airport - The only airport in the world, where airplanes land right on the beach. Barra Island is one of the Isles of the Archipelago External Hebrid Islands, which belong to the UK.

The runway in these places is actually no, and the planes are sitting directly to the beach. Due to tides once a day strange Airport In the literal sense, the word is immersed under water. Is it worth saying that resting on this beach is prohibited?

Unusual airport on the island

4) Kansai International Airport Japanese city Osaka takes whole island. Since the Japanese can not boast of large spaces, and each land block matters, they had to build an airport, before building an island for him.

The artificial island consists of two parts, the length of its greater part is 4 kilometers, and the width of the island is 2.5 kilometers. This island is a real masterpiece of engineering thought. Unfortunately, due to global warming and raising the world's level of this artificial island Thunders flooding.

Saint-Martin Island (some use Sint Martin's name) and his airport are located in the Caribbean Sea, which is one of the most popular tourist regions of the world. Development potential is almost every island, which can be reached by comfort. There are two main ways to solve passenger delivery: ship or aircraft.

Sea and ocean cruises create a significantly smaller part of the flow of tourists compared to air transport. But the cost and complexity of air harbore infrastructure is significantly higher and sometimes requires non-standard solutions from engineers and architects.

The Island of St. Martin from the Small Antilles Archipelago has one of the most interesting airports in the world (enters the top 10 by risk rating, according to Reuters). He also plays a large role in the transportation of nearby territories: Sint-Eustausa, Saba, Saint-Bartelemy and Anguily.

Princess Airport Juliana (full official name) has the ability to make even big airplanes Boeing 747 class, although the landing strip with a normal width of 45 m at its length is only 2300 m, which is an extremely valid value for some types of liners. In this regard, the rise and landing passing on Glissage 3 ° is considered the most dangerous in the Caribbean region.

The start of construction of the airport laid the construction of a military air base back in 1942. Although already in 1943 due to the lack of hostilities in the region during World War II, it was transformed into civilian. After 1964, it was reconstructed, a new dispatching tower and terminal appeared. After 1985, it was modernized, so it began to be able to take the long-haul classes of aircraft and fully comply with the high development of tourism on Sint-Marten.

Rooms of air harbor

Here you can talk about a variety of factors.

The island has a relatively small area - only 87 km², with prevailing hilly relief and tropical thickets.

The island is divided by different states: northern part - This is the overseas community of France Saint-Martin, South Part - Autonomous Education Sint Martin, subordinate to the Netherlands Corn.

Only after 1994 a Franco-Dutch Protocol on Border Control was signed. Landing strip Its shine rests on the beach Maho in the west of the Dutch part. Landing aircraft and their takeoffs occur right above the heads of tourists in 10-20 m above the surface.

Spectacular photos and video with airplanes bring the incredible popularity of Princess Julian among other airports in the world. Nearby there are several cafes and hotels that specialize in the very famous form of the island. The beach has a loudspeaker, which reports on landing aircraft, and broadcasts dispatcher and crew negotiations.

In the central part of Macho, the wind speed can reach 180 km / h, which can be very dangerous and even mortally for a person, but it does not stop curious tourists who try to make bright photos and shoot video with air liners.

In 2012, the famous photographer Joseph Heflener published black and white spotlights from the surroundings of the airport, including them in the book "Jet Liner: Complete Work Collection."

Infrastructure

The throughput, thus, is up to 30 flights per hour.

The dispatching service also provides control over other small airports of this zone: Clayton J. Lloyd, L'Espérance, Gustaf III. Terminal area of \u200b\u200b30,500 m² can serve up to 2,500,000 passengers per year. In the entire history of the work of the airport, not a single catastrophe was recorded, although this runway is considered one of the most difficult for carriages of liners and dispatch services.

Photo and video from Sint Martin Airport

View of Sint Martin Island

It looks like Princess Julian Airport

In this regard, the rise and landing passing on Glissage 3 ° is considered the most dangerous in the Caribbean region.

Running strip of airport princess Juliana

The landing strip is resting in the beach maho in the west of the Dutch part. Landing aircraft and their takeoffs occur right above the heads of tourists in 10-20 m above the surface.

Runway

The location and relief of the island of Sint Martin did not assume the construction of a full-fledged runway. Therefore, a decision was made to build a minimally permissible strip for long-haul liners (for example, 747). The width has been brought to 45 m. Radar systems provide a range of up to 460 km.

The throughput, thus, is up to 30 flights per hour. The dispatching service also provides control over other small airports of this zone: Clayton J. Lloyd, L'Espérance, Gustaf III. Terminal area of \u200b\u200b30,500 m² can serve up to 2,500,000 passengers per year. In the entire history of the work of the airport, not a single catastrophe was recorded, although this runway is considered one of the most difficult for carriages of liners and dispatch services.

Here! Here I want to get here for a long time and "grab the plane for the tail." This is not "Photoshop" is a real place. Cool!

Remember, we have already discussed him ...

With the island of Saint Martin, located in the Caribbean, not a little connected interesting facts. Not only is he is the smallest inhabited island In the world, it is also managed by two independent governments, France and the Netherlands, and at the same time! However, the main thing is that St. Petersburg is famous Maarten, that when entering land, airplanes almost touch the beach and tourists holidays on it.

During the whole history Caribbean Islands Most of them lived Indians. Saint Martin, was no exception. Island of St. Martin, was the house of Aravakian Indians. Of course, as history says, the island was opened by Christopher Columbus, but before European researchers reached St. Marty on, the Caribbean Indians attacked this island, captivated the local population, many of which were killed. Most of the Aravakian Indians were taken by the Caribbean as slaves. When Europeans arrived on the island, he was already under the control of the aggressive Caribbean soldiers of the Indians.

Columbus, never was on the island of St. Martin, but the story says that November 11, 1493, Columbus saw the island, and called him in honor of the holiday of St. Martin of the Turovsky.

Saint Martin, an island of 37 square miles, is the smallest land in the world, divided between two governments. Its double owners are France and Holland.

And of course the island has two capitals, or administrative center. This is Marigo - the Administrative Center for the French side, and the city of Philipsburg, the capital of the island, relating to the Netherlands. These two states, peacefully divide the little bull paradisk Islands, more than 350 years.

Saint Martin island, about 150 miles to the east, from Puerto Rico, and refers to Netherlands Antille Islands.

French territory occupies about two thirds of the island territory, and is considered european territory and community. The Dutch side relates to the Netherlands Antilles, and is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and is not considered to be a European territory. On Saint Martin, there are no real boundaries, just modest monuments and signs.

The island is known for its exotic nature, almost perfect for recreation. Also their visitors, the island is impressive with its beaches and nightlife, and shops and restaurants Saint - Martin, the best in Caribbean.

Island of St. Martin, this island, with a fast-growing economy where residents have more than 90 countries of the world.

Saint Martin island is rich in beaches, they are on the island 37, they are all open to the general public.

The island will like everyone. And lover of underwater swimming, and those who like to travel on a yacht and those who love to just sunbathe. But it must be remembered that the rays of the Caribbean sun are very burned with the skin of the body, and therefore without sunscreen, doctors of the island, sunbathe ultimately do not recommend.

Also, if you are going to the island of St. Martin, relax with children, then you need to carefully approach the selection of the beach, given the fact that some beaches of the island, nudist. One of these official beaches, the beach of Cupecoy, located on the Dutch side of Saint Martin.

On the Dutch side, there are beautiful, long with golden sand, and green beaches, they can be beautifully sunbathe, play the ball or Frisby.

Beach Down Beach, this is one of best beachesfor underwater swimming. Even swimming not far from the coast, you can see beautiful exotic fish, calmly floating in coral reefs.

Guano Bay is a beach that is perfect for guys who loving surfing, as well as for strong swimmers who love heavy rollback.

Bay Long, located on the French side, the beach for the rich and famous. Double-mile beach with the most expensive real estate. Multimillion houses, overlook the picturesque view of the beach with white sand.

It is worth remembering that all tourists arriving on Saint Martin Island must have a return ticket. Also, if the citizen arrives at the island has more than $ 11,000 with him, then it is necessary to report this to the customs service, and fill in the declaration. If you intend to bring a dog or a cat to the island, or some other animal, then you have to have a veterinarian certificate, not older than 6 months.

Saint Martin is located in the area of \u200b\u200bthe Atlantic Time, which is equal - 4 hours in Greenwich (GMT-4).

Any foreigner who wants to work on Saint Martin island must have permission to work before arriving at the island. This should be organized by the employer who want to hire a foreigner.

Princess Airport Juliana - One of the largest transport hubs of the Caribbean region. It is among the ten most dangerous airports in the world. Located on the island of St. Martin. During World War II, a flying field was built on the island, which is now the international airport of Princess Juliana. Takes off / landing medium or high complexity for the pilot, depending on weather conditions.

The end of the airport runway is located right on the sea shore, close to the beach Maho, so that air vessels fly at an altitude of 10-20 meters above the heads of tourists, resting on the beach at the end of the runway. The place is known as "Paradise for Spotter".

On the territory of the island is an international airport. In 1942, during the Second World War, a runway was built on the island. In 1944, the island visited the Kronpringess of the Netherlands Julian, making landing on this strip. A year later, the Netherlands authorities opened a small airport at this location, which later converted into international.

Princess Airport Juliana is also known as the International Airport of St. Martin, serves the Dutch part of the Island of St. Martin. In 2007, the airport served almost 1.7 million passengers and 104 thousand aircraft, which is still his record to this day.

The airport serves as the center of the airways of the entered islands and is the main goal for small leeward islands, including Anguilla, Sabu, Saint Bartholomew Island and Saint Estatsius Island.

Princess Airport Juliana is one of the most beautiful airports in the world, with a high complexity of landing. Such a fame, he received due to a very low height when landing on the strip, and also that almost the runway adjoins the beach of Macho and the sea. History Channel put it on 4th place among the most dangerous airports in the world.

Despite the fact that Princess Airport Juliana has a high difficulty of planting, two accidents occurred for its history of existence. The first one occurred on May 2, 1970, flight 980 McDonnell Douglas DC-9CF fell into the sea near the beach. 22 people died out of 57. The weather at that time did not allow landed the first time, the pilots decided to make a few more attempts, but, alas, the fuel ended. Second - December 21, 1972 Air France de Havilland Canada Twin Otter flight flew out of Guadeloupe, but they fell on the sea, all 11 passengers were killed on board together with both pilots.

It can be said that the island of St. Martin is more popular among phototourists, rather than among lovers beach holidays. Almost everyone coming to the Julian Princess Airport, after they come from the airport are not sent to the hotel, but they are straightforward to the beach to take a picture of themselves against the background of a sacrificing aircraft that flies above his head.

And here is the airport itself:

Saint-Martin has only one airport, which annually takes tens of thousands of tourists from around the world. The only feature of this airport is its short runway - only 2130 meters, which are not completely insufficient for planting wide-body aircraft type Boeing-747. This fact of Saint-martensers are definitely not happy, but it is somehow necessary to take tourists.

Here and fly airplanes with Big land On Saint-Martin literally over the heads of vacationers. The fact is that the territory of the airport them. The princesses of Juliana begins right behind the thin strip of the beach, where under the stalling caribbean sun will be rented local residents and tourists. Some travel agencies even make special tours for those who want to consider the huge area of \u200b\u200bthe bottom of some "Boeing", lying on the warm golden sand.