Aviation Specials – May 2018

Extreme Airports // 77

CARIBBEAN

to extend it. A spokesman for the airport

explained: “It would be good to be able to

handle slightly larger aeroplanes, but we

have no more land on which to develop

nor is there anywhere on the island to

build another airport.”

He continued: “St Barths Commuter

introduced Cessna Caravans which have

taken over from Islanders. They brought

turbine comfort, speed and safety, as

well as higher capacity to the islands.

Our facilities are quick and convenient to

use, but it will be frequency rather than

capacty that supports any further growth.

Many of the more wealthy visitors arrive

on private yachts, as the runway is too

short to handle executive jets.”

Short and steep

The airfield has high terrain to the north,

west and east – and a bay to the west.

Adding to the challenge is the 2% slope

of its airstrip, located between a 500ft

(157m) hill known as Tourmente and St

Jean Beach. The prevailing trade winds

often dictate the use of Runway 10, but

can also funnel over Tourmente to cause

significant turbulence. Arriving aircraft

have to make a very steep descent to

touchdown after overflying Tourmente,

and then stop on the short 2,120ft (646m)

runway to avoid running onto the beach

and into the sea. The approach to Runway

28 over Baie de St Jean is less dramatic,

but is still ‘interesting’ for pilots as a go-

around is not possible due to the hill at the

far end. Official documentation cautions

also that there may be sunbathers laying

in the undershoot immediately short of

the threshold. The terrain precludes

instrument approaches, all movements

are conducted in visual conditions and

there is no lighting – so flights during

darkness are limited to urgent

medevac operations.

72-79_Caribbean.indd 77 11/05/2018 11:58