Page 35 - (DK) I Can’t Believe It! 2

STRANGE BUT TRUE! 33

Maho Beach is no peaceful paradise. Its blue
skies are overshadowed by low-flying jets,

while the crashing Caribbean surf is drowned
out by roaring engines. With the runway just
20 ft (6 m) from the sand, thrill seekers and

plane spotters can experience extreme
encounters with aircraft every single day.

Sunbathers face powerful
winds of 150 mph (240 kph)
every time an aircraft
comes in to land.

FAST FACTS

With Princess Juliana’s short runway of 7,152 ft (2,180 m),
aircraft must fly at low altitude to land safely. As they make their
descent, they pass just 30–60 ft (9–18 m) above the beach.

20 ft (6 m) 7,152 ft (2,180 m)
30–60 ft (9–18 m)
SEA BEACH STREET RUNWAY

US_032_033_309600_Plane_spotters_paradise.indd 33 19/12/17 12:55 pm