Remarks: I'm not normally one for straight headon shots of airplanes.. but, hell, this one deserves it. It's the only way to show the truly massive wing flex of this bohemoth!
Remarks: Normally, in the summer, Continental's daily Newark flight is operated by a 737-700. High loads this Saturday caused an equipment change to a 757-200, however, and the result is seen buzzing Maho Beach just seconds from touchdown.
Remarks: Shortly after departing runway 1R, our Ted flight to Los Angeles makes a right turn southwest-bound, affording this beautiful view of the famous Las Vegas strip, with McCarran Airport nestled neatly in the background!
Remarks: Here's something you don't see every day - a 747 freighter parked at a passenger gate! This Anchorage-LAX flight diverted to Vegas due to fog, and is parked at gate D-14 with the jet bridge attached. Maybe the pilots wanted to sneak in a little gambling at the airport slots during the delay!
Remarks: In position on runway 09 for departure to Ft. Lauderdale after a stopover at Juliana. Aircraft being delivered to Continental Express from the Embraer factory in Brazil.
Remarks: A Rust's Beaver taxis away from the remote Redoubt Bay Lodge in preparation for departure back to Lake Hood. Seaplane is the only way in or out of here, but the trip is very much worth it; there are more black bears, bald eagles, and other wildlife out here than you can imagine.
Remarks: St. Maarten's long-time passenger terminal, to me, has tons of charm and character. The small, overcrowded building is the first to greet you when you arrive, and the last to bid you farewell when you leave.. and despite her age, has gotten the job done for more than the last 20 years. Alas, however, times change, and demand grows. Overshadowing the current facilities, on the left side of this photo, the new, modern glass and steel terminal which will replace the old is well under way. The new facility will feature four jetbridges, dual levels; everything a modern terminal needs. It won't, however, give first time visitors the experience of stepping out of the aircraft into the warm, humid air, and onto airstairs for the walk across the ramp to immigration, which is how, I think, it should happen in the Caribbean. The new terminal is slated to open in Spring 2006, and the old buildings will be demolished. We'll miss you old girl -- thanks for all of the wonderful memories!
Remarks: Blasting out of St. Maarten and starting a quick right turn with such force that I was physically unable to move forward in my seat to get more of the wing in this shot. Departing SXM is always fun; departing on a 757 at max thrust with a 3,000 foot takeoff roll and climbing at over 25 degrees is just magical!
