These two videos are amazing. Both are of KLM 747-400’s landing at Princess Juliana International Airport (IATA: SXM, ICAO: TNCM), which serves the Dutch part of the island of Saint Martin. It is the second busiest airport in the Eastern Caribbean. The airport is famous for its short runway, at only 2,180 meters/7,152 feet long. In 2005 it handled 1,663,226 passengers, but KLM stopped it’s 747 passenger service to here in 2007.

Of note is the contrast in the two videos, specifically in terms of the altitude which the second aircraft crosses the fence. I’ve posted the first video just so that you can see what I’m talking about, although it’s exciting in it’s own right. In the second video, gusty winds may have played a role in the difference in altitude at the last minute.

Also note the burst of power at the last minute in the second video.

Capt’n Chris

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