The Ten most Dangerous Airports to Land

We all love to travel and while most of our journeys are by air we tend to enjoy that. True enough, landing and take off in a jet plane is fun experience but if you have been to one of the following airports, I am sure you beg to differ. This lists brings for you the ten most dangerous airports to land in. The reasons include the length of the air strip, the location, the winds etc. Believe me, that heavy thud when the air plane touches the ground is nothing compared to what the pilot and the passengers go through while landing on one of the following air strips.

10. PRINCESS JULIANA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, ST. MAARTEN

This is perhaps one of the busiest airports in the Caribbean. United States Airline, KLM Royal Dutch and Corsairfly are usual users of the airport. The air strip is about 7,152 feet long and was built for smaller planes to land on but it still used by 747s and A340s. The air strip is located right next to the beach, so if you are sun-bathing and tall,  make sure to not stand up. It can be very dangerous with the strong gushes of wind. Also, you need to stay clear of the engine exhaust. It can blow you away, literally.

9. TONCONTIN AIRPORT, HONDURAS

American Airlines, Aerolineas Sosa, TACA, Copa Airlines, and Islena Airlines usually land at this strip while on their way to Honduras. This is a mountainous region, so the plane is really close to the mountain tops when preparing to land but that’s not all. Right before touchdown, the pilot has to bank towards the left at a 45 degree angel in order to make it down safe and clear. A moment of hesitation can turn out to be disaster. The landing strip is a total of 6,112 feet.

8. GIBRALTAR AIRPORT, GIBRALTAR

The landing strip is only 6,000 feet long and it lies between the Mediterranean and the Bay of Gibraltar. If the pilot miscalculates while landing the only place for you to end up in is the water and upon touch down, the brakes must be pulled in full in order to stop in time otherwise the strip finishes and its curtains. Imagine all this precision landing in a really  bad weather and you will understand why Gibraltar made it to the eighth spot.

7. MADEIRA AIRPORT, FUNCHAL

The pilot needs to fly the plane directly at the mountain and then make a turn towards the right at the eleventh hour in order to line the plane up with the air strip. The air strip is 9000 feet long and back in the year 2000 it was even shorter. Most of the European airlines use this air strip. The scary part is the mountains and the timing of the turn. If the pilot is careless or loses focus for even a second, the plane will hit the mountains and I’m sure you can imagine what happens after that.

6. JUANCHO E. YRAUSQUIN AIRPORT, ANTILLES

The scariest part about this run way is the length. At only 1,300 feet, a slight miscalculation and the plane is done for. It doesn’t matter how big or small the plane is, 1,300 is a very small number when you consider landing a plane. The strong winds also need to be considered here since its practically an island and I’m sure you have seen the videos where the plane is thrown off balance because of the cross-winds. Fall short of the run way and the plane hits the cliffs, go deep into the runaway and the plane will end up in the ocean. So the pilot has to be really focused and in total control.

5. JFK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, NEW YORK

The only real danger when you consider the John F. Kennedy Airport is the large amount of air traffic. The pilot needs to be very precise with the route he takes and miscalculations is not an option. With so many planes flying in from many directions a moment of hesitation can drive not only your plane but also the ones around you to disaster. Another problem is the visibility at only 5 miles. Considering the amount of traffic, 5 miles is not enough so a close contact over the radio is necessary. A moment of static and its all over.

4. TENZING-HILLARY AIRPORT, NEPAL

This airport only allows daytime landings and the problem with that is the strong gushes of wind blow from the Himalayas close by. The runway for the landing is uphill while its the exact opposite for the take off. The pilot cannot fall short of the runway and definitely not go deep. Perfect control over the air plane is required for the pilot land and there is no room for mistakes.

3. COURCHEVEL AIRPORT, FRANCE

This air strip is only 1,722 feet long with a vertical drop as soon as it ends. Landing at this airport is not every pilot’s cup of tea and one needs special training to be eligible to land a plane at Courchevel. But even with that training one cannot predict the winds and snow. Folks, let me tell you once again how dangerous these crosswinds are – very.

2. TIOMAN ISLAND, MALAYSIA

Tioman Island is a volcanic Island in the South China Sea. Before landing the plane is pointing directly at mountains and the pilot needs to do a ninety degree turn to come in line with the air strip. The cherry on top is that the run way has a mountain at its end. So once again, the pilot cannot possibly take it short or deep, instead the plane has to hit the dot on the first attempt.

1. MATEKANE AIR STRIP, LESOTHO

The air strip in this airport is only 1,312 feet long. Matekane air strip is located at the edge of a 7,550 feet high mountainous corridor. As soon as you take off this strip, you are over the edge and you’re instantly about 7,600 feet high in the air. So you think the landing might be easier? Consider this, if the speed of the plane is slowed down before schedule, you’ll hit the couloir and if the pilot shoots ahead, the strip is not long enough for the plane to stop. Heart stopping? I think so.

Russian’s call it Black Swan, Americans call it Black Knave

It is warm, the sky is blue, soft rumbling is heard from the most powerful turboprop engines in the world… We are at the airbase in Engel’s.

This is the commander. He is also a pilot and makes practice flights on Ilyushin-78.

Tupolev-95MS.

Tu-95MS is a turboprop bomber and rocket carrier, the fastest screw plane, one of the sybols of Cold War. It is the only turboprop bomber which had a serial production. It was designed for bombing important enemy’s targets with cruise missiles under any weather contitions and at any time of the day.

On July 30, 2010 these planes broke a record of non-stop flying, after they had covered 30 thousand kilometers, crossed three oceans and refueled four times!

Tu-95SM is a carries of X-55 cruise missiles.

A double-barrelled gun GSh-23 is located in the rear of the aircraft. A range of a 23×115 milimeters bullet is 2 kilometers.

Preparing the aircraft for a flight.

Inside of the cabin of Tu-95MS.

The crew consists of seven people. There are no ejection seats for them, so in case of emergency, they should leave the plane through the entrance ports.

.Tu-95 has the most powerful engine in the world (15000 hp). Its propellers have a diameter of 5.6 meters which is more than a single track tunnel of Moscow Metro.

It is also one of the noisiest aircrafts in the world and can be spotted even by hydroacoustic systems of submarines, however it is not critical for making nuclear missile strikes.

At this airbase they make practice flights twice a weak minimum.

These aircrafts are practicing take-offs and landings, refuelling in the air and long flights over Russia.

The first to take off is a rocket carrier scout plane. It makes a circle of a 300-kilometer radius.

Tu-95MS is about to take off. The two lights imitate a predator to scare birds away.

Feelings of seeing such a big, heavy and powerful plane ascending are indescribable!

Ilyushin-78 is the only plane of the air forces of Russia which can refuel other planes in the air.

It’s amazing that such a gigantic thing can fly! Moreover, it can carry up to 90 tons of load!

And the highlight of the show is Tu-160! This is a supersonic bomber rocket carrier.

Maximum speed: 2230 km/h.

Cruising speed: 917 km/h.

Maximum flight range without refuelling: 13950 km.

Operational ceiling: 15000 kilometers.

Rate of climb: 4400 meters a minute.

The plane has 4 engines with a total 100000 hp!

Russian pilots call it ‘white swan’ for its beauty and gracefulness. Americans call it ‘black knave’ for its invulnerability.

Each piece costs 7.5 billion rubles (250 million dollars). They have produced 35 of them since 1984.

White swan!

Tu-160 is the the largest supersonic plane and variable geometry wing plane. It is the most powerfuland the heaviest  military aircraft in the world. It has the biggest take-off mass and weapons load.

The local cafeteria. Each lunch will cost you approximately 110 rubles (30 dollars).

Museum of Aviation.

Closer to the evening, first aircrafts become arriving at the base.

Its take-off mass is comparable to the mass of 9 trolleys 71-619KT!

Over 30 specialists of the technical crew work on preparation of the aircraft for another flight.

When these aircrafts fly in the neutral territory, they are accompanied by fighter interceptors of NATO. In case they come too close which happens sometimes, Russian swans gather up their supersonic speed and fly away, leaving NATO planes behind.

Tu-95MS landing.

These are two pictures of the air pageant in Moscow.

Top Ten Breathtaking Destinations in the World

We all are completely familiar with the feeling that we feel when one is in love, there is this need to share it with the world. To roam the ruins, to walk along forest boundaries, to go underwater and watch the fishes, to lay in the sun bathing in the light, to curl up in a blanket around a log fire and simply stare at the stars up there. I know how it feels to hold hands while your feet skirt the lush waters of the beach and what it is to speak your heart out amidst rock formations watching the sunlight dance from one corner to the other. Whether it is an extravagant trip that you are planning for valentine’s day with your loved one, or your desire to walk away from the hustle of life for a while with your spouse, or whether it is a honeymoon trip, I have gathered for you ten of the most breathtaking destinations in the world. Take our word for it, if you want peace, select either one of them and celebrate the love.

10. ISOLA BELLA, ITALY

Isola Bella means beautiful island and this little island in Taormina, Italy fully justifies the name. The island is filled with colors and with every passing season the colors keep changing, and behold, one ravishing landscape after another for the onlookers to enjoy. It is also known as the Pearl of the Ionion Sea. The rocky beach of the small inhabited island attracts sunbathers and hikers every year. It also attracts snorkelers and  has a Nike Dive Center where they teach different diving techniques. The pretty island is definitely worth a visit.

9. GRAND CANYON, ARIZONA, USA

A lot of us have heard about the Grand Canyon of the Colorado river and we have heard old Indian legends about  it, we have seen its images in the movies and we have seen the cultural treasures from the reserve but nothing can prepare us for what lies out there. The beautiful yellowish orange stripes on the walls and the sheer quietness of the place create an aura of romance so strong that one actually feels the heart skipping a beat. The massive canyon is one of the deepest canyons of the world. Sitting on top of the marine sediments that are frozen into solid masses, a new level of peace envelops you and it is an experience that cannot be told in words.

8. LITTLE TORCH KEY, FLORIDA

Little torch key is an isolated elegant island in the lower part of Florida keys. One look at the picture above is more than enough to attract anyone to this paradise of an island. The blue waters and the mesmerizing palm trees woo you into a dream so romantic that you forget a world that exists beyond this place. If you are looking for a weekend away from the troubles of the world, to reignite the spark in your relationship, to turn on the sparkle, then this is place for you.

7. OIA SANTORINI, GREECE

Who does not dream of enjoying the sunset and in the most spectacular way possible. Let me tell you right here right now that if you have the money, the Greek Islands are a spot to cover. To contemplate the sunset in its full form, Oia Santorini is the place to be. It is completely understandable if you do not wish to get involved in the crowded cities of Rome and Athens (though they are a sight in their own as well) but Santorini can be your ticket to the gorgeous historic architecture, the crystal blue waters, and the rocks splashed with sparkling sunlight.

6. ASPEN, COLORADO

Aspen is more famous for the comings and goings of the rich and the famous. Touted to be the haven of the celebrities , this gorgeous place is an ideal romantic spot. True that it mostly attracts skiers but nonetheless, be it winter or summer, this place has excellent accommodations, landscapes that are to-die-for, awesome hiking destinations, and a hip hopping night life. The place even boasts of lazy romantic ranches where you can take a horse back ride, cuddle up in front of log fires, or take a romantic carriage ride.

5. KAUAI, HAWAII

It is also known as the Garden Isle, this breathtaking place is the ideal location if you are planning to tie the knot, if you want to spend your honeymoon or if you simply wish to renew you old ties. Being there is like being in a post card, with green hill tops, wild bushes and amazing  trails to hike at, wonderful waterfalls, and those secluded beaches is more than one can ask for. Kauai includes everything from the larger-than-life cliffs of the Nepali coasts to endless chasms of the Waimea Canyon, this little island enchants you like no other destination ever would.

4. SANGANO BAMBOO FOREST, JAPAN

Every now and then we yearn for a beautiful natural landscape filled with a lot of greenery for taking a walk. We love holding hands and walking miles just to say what is in our hearts or to simply enjoy the scenic surroundings and bask in the glory of a loving relationship. If this sounds familiar then this destination would be a heaven for you and your better half. This bamboo forest in Japan is one of the oldest and as legend would have it when Edison was looking for a filament for one his first bulbs, the Governor recommended this forest and another one. Edison chose the other one though.

3. NASSAU, BAHAMAS CARRIBEAN

The Atlantis Resort that can be seen in the picture above, is the main attraction of the country and is enough to bring you flying over. This resort in the Bahamas is much talked about and is so overwhelming that you might even get lost on the ground floor because funnily enough, this resort is a continent itself in size. Once you are able to make your way out and about and cross the bridge as well as the Paradise island, which is the sister island to Nassau, you find yourself right in the middle of high end Bahamian culture, its food and the shopping it offers.

2. HAYMAN ISLAND, QUEENSLAND

Okay, so maybe we have seen quite a lot of palm trees and blue waters and sea huts and coral reefs but this island, yes! Hayman Island Queensland, is by far the most awarded of all of the luxurious islands there and the best thing is that it is situated right on the Great Barrier Reef. It is truly a picture perfect destination for family vacations, reunions, weddings, and honeymoons.

1. MALDIVES

Maldives, a dreamer’s ideal destination, is the kind of place which invites and attracts every boy, girl, man, woman of whatever age group. The lush blue waters, the amazingly white sand beaches, the coral reef, the swaying palm trees, the endless blue skies, and what not. And if this is not already enough, get this, the island has resorts, over-the-water bungalows and sea huts. You name it and they have it. Imagine waking up in the bright sunshine and walking out on a terrace that is exactly above the water and its beauty is spread as far out as your eyes can see.