Yes, what you’re looking at above has not been Photoshopped, but is actually a real landing strip at Princess Juliana International Airport. The airport is perhaps best known for very low-altitude flyover landing approaches due to one end of its runway being extremely close to the shore and Maho Beach. Because the approach to Runway 09 is over water, pilots can become disoriented regarding their perceived altitude when operating under visual flight rules. Normal instrument checks, coupled with experience and situational awareness, mitigate potential problems. The departure from Runway 09 presents more “difficulties” than the approach, with a turn required to avoid mountains in the departure path. Continue reading for more.

Author

A technology, gadget and video game enthusiast that loves covering the latest industry news. Favorite trade show? Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.