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You too close
Published: 2009-07-17 02:15:24 +0000 UTC; Views: 41193; 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
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beautiful shot.
I am studying to be an aerospace engineer, and it's things like this that remind me why I'm doing all this math and physics and all this other stuff. I'll be working on an intricate piece of art!
Another shot that I think would be fun would be one where a plane is doing a landing in strong crosswinds. People often don't realize that planes can fly "sideways". hahaha
(although I'm not entirely sure where or how to pull that off well, but you're the photgrapher, not me. bwahaha)
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The plane does not land here in strong crosswinds (hardly occurs in this part of the world). They usually divert to another island. Thanks for the comment.
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haha, yeah I figured, but if you ever go to a place that does... :3
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My French teacher took my class to see the photojournalism thingy at Just for Laughs at downtown Montreal. I saw this picture there, and I actually found my way to your page on the "Most popular in the last month" page through a different deviation when this caught my eye. Congratulations on all the success! You're inspirational.
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Thank you so much or the nice words. However I would like to ask you if you are sure you saw my picture in Montreal? Nobody asked my permission to show it there so it would be nice if you let me know it's the same picture. Cheers!
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I either saw it at this photojournalism thing, or I saw it in a book full of winning pictures this year. Or maybe online... We did an assignment about the even afterward, so I'm not sure. I just remember your picture. It's really awesome!
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Allright.. it's a bit too hard to track down anyway. Glad you like it!
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Oy!
I actually seen the video, oh My gosh, low flying , imagine the scent of aviation fuel & the extreme whining of the engine. Then final strong breeze !
What a thrill ! Wish can be all day!
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Hi!
Your DD has been featured in my last newsletter as a Gallery Moderator. They'll keep existing, only in a different format. Here is the link: [link]
I'll be present in #NewsStand in my free time, so I'm always available for any doubt, request, etc. and will still be connected with Photojournalism (and street)!
Have a nice day!
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Bloody hell man, strakke plaat. Helemaal omdat ik voor deze lawaaimakers werk 
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What a beautiful shot!
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Great shot - I've seen this location used by many photographers - it's fascinating to see everyone's take on it.
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thanks, I used to live there so you could say i had the best opportunity to find an interesting spot
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Wonderful shot. I hope the rest of the trip was not quite that eventful!
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hahha... i know what you mean but I used to live there and this is pretty normal for me, lol.
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Quite an amazing shot! Kudos to you and your quick hand at getting that! :3 Does the 150 meter safety extension make a marked difference in the approach? 150 doesn't seem like that much more for stopping something so big and heavy. D: I can't imagine the new A380 being able to land there, though they are said to be worthy of any runway that can land a 747.
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the 150 meter extension is at the other side of the runway and is not yet completed. It's just a safety procedure, not necessarily needed. And you are right, the A380 won't be able to land here because the wings are way to huge, and then the runway will be too short to take off.
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I love how u got that just in time as it was coming down! It's a wonderful picture!
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Wow! First reaction was "There's no way that's real!". The fact that it is makes it pretty amazing. Well done!
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My gosh, I've seen that video. I love airplanes, especially commercial jetliners, but gosh, that can be scary. If that plane was any lower than that, I doubt ducking would be enough to spare someone.
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I've always wanted to see this. You should see the Saudi Prince's 747 bring his horsed into Blue Grass Airport, Lexington, KY for the Derby.
7001'
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I have watched landings at St. Maarten on youtube so many times and just get blown away.
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epic, one day before i die i want to go there
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Great job...very good moment...
I went to St. Marteen and didnt know that use to happen over there,pretty amusing
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I am so glad that this got a DD!!! Congrats, you deserve it!!!!
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I've seen videos of planes landing at that airport, and your shot captures the same intensity! Great job!
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I've seen videos of planes landing at that airport, and your shot captures the same intensity! Great job!
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If you stand at any of the four corners of Chicago Midway Airport in Chicago, IL, you can see some low approaches on certain days, though not as low as this. You can practically count the bolts on that thing.
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Wow! That makes me want to go there just to see those planes! Haha.
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I know this place really well . I've personnaly took thousands of shots like this one but in my memories the planes were taking of in the other way , other sens .
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This plane is landing 
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