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You too close
Published: 2009-07-17 02:15:24 +0000 UTC; Views: 41073; Favourites: 1629; Downloads: 0
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Description
Photography > Photojournalism> Places-------------------
Incredible low approach of a Boeing 747 on the tiny island of St. Maarten.
i love this picture not only because it's a fantastic scene, but because of the reaction from the bystanders, they seriously look like they are enjoying this moment!
The reason for the low approach and incredible close action is because this is the shortest commercial runway (almost 8 thousand ft) that the 747 lands in the world. Also, because the end of the runway features so close to a main road and beach, makes it popular for tourists and aviation nuts as well.
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From Wiki:
Incoming airplanes approach the island on short final for Runway 9 flying low over the famous Maho Beach. At any other airport aircraft fly at the same altitude at that point in the approach, but other airports don't have a beach, road and a fence just beyond the runway end. Pictures of low flying aircraft were published in several news magazines worldwide in early 2000 and looked so unreal that some were even disputed as fakes. The thrilling approaches and ease of access for shooting spectacular images made the airport one of the world's favorite places among planespotters. To meet changing international and local regulations a 150 meter safety extension was required.
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You can see a crazy video of this cool place at : [link]
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other landings and reactions:
Related content
Comments: 292
I just came from a vacation here. Incredible experience.
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Would being that close to a landing airplane not be really, ear-meltingly loud?
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Yeah, but they are only that close for about a half second so it doesn't last long.
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Ahh, thanks for clearing that up!
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wow i dont think i would be able to get that close to an airplane without alot of courage
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how are they allowed to fly that low? I know its for landing but bloody hell! Great Image btw!
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They're not normally that low unfortunately
Also, it is a shorter runway and KLM still use big planes so they have to come in a bit lower.
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if your a resident, this is pretty normal for you.
But the tourists go Nuts over it!
Then again if you Are a resident, you're probably not even On that side of the Island at this time of day!
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Hey. I used to live there my whole life, but now im doing my studies in holland. You are right though. It's become more and more popular over time.
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I still live here my whole life.
I wouldnt say More popular, it's the same popular. because Now it's rougly the only thing that you can do in StMaarten that you Cant do in Miami.
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Oh yeah, I saw this on Discover Channel. World's most dangerous airports. I sure wouldn't wanna get under one of those things. XD
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The article has finally gone up: [link]
Thanks for the permission to use your image.
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I am currently writing an article for Phototuts+ [link] and would like to feature this photograph in a greatest aviation photography list.
Naturally you would be credited for the photography and a link to this page would be given.
I do need a reply pretty quickly! Thanks for reading.
Peter Sawyer (aka Peewee1002)
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thank you. Will email again when it goes live.
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I wish I were there! I love seeing the grime underneath the plane. XD
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Sorry: Your lovely work got a feature here: [link]
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AH!! i love st. martenn!!!
but not many people go there ;A;
lots of cutey mountain goats too
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Woah! I saw this in the National Geographic magazine and knew it seemed familiar! This is incredible.. what a perfect shot
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Ohhh I saw this onJanuary's National geographic, congratulations!
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I'm really jealous now! One of my biggest dreams,that go to St. Marteen to the best airport in th world!
There... peoples can feel the planes real power! What is (to be honest) everyone's dream,to feel a big power by an airplane!
Excellent picture!
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HEY. I saw recognized this photo when I saw it on January's National Geographic magazine. Nice goin'!
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a-ma-zing shot! ... omg, this is just impossible! can't be! LOL ... truly amazing!
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Yeah... I believe it, and it's stunning and awesome! 
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wouldn't it damage the ear drums ?
An incredible shot though !!!
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It passes really fast, ntot enough time to do any damage
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congratulations very well deserved, i will make sure i buy a copy....absolutley amazing
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wow... do they really come THAT close?? that's awesome...
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amazing shot!
I have to go there at some point in my life
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Remarkable, great framing, and definitely worthy of a 
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yes! This shot was the one that took most thought. Took me 5 days before I figured a shot no one has done from this very photographed place.
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Incredible shot! Could you hear anything afterwords?
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It went over so fast that it didnt damage my eardrums
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