The "My Vote Really Counted" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Opened my email and found that I had voted for the winning entry in the PrivateFly Airport Approach Poll 2013.  What did I get for voting?  A chance to see all the top 10 approaches in the world that give intriguing landings.  As I was viewing the photos I remembered that I indeed had voted for the winning airport.  My friend Norm, who I had met online while looking at a travel forum and who Carol and I met in person on the island of St. Maarten, had sent me an email asking me to vote in the contest.  Naturally I did and Viola!, it won.  The winning airport was the St. Maarten Princess Juliana International located in naturally St. Maarten.  We have landed at this airport many times and it is always exciting looking out the window as we fly no more than 40 feet above Maho Beach.  Always a crowd of people with cameras pointed toward the plane as we arrive.  During our vacation I always spend a day at the airport doing just the same thing.  I have included a few of the airports below with what someone had said about the landing at the airport.  I have also included a video of what really happens when planes land at Princess Juliana. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. 

1. ST MAARTEN PRINCESS JULIANA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (SXM), CARIBBEAN

"It's a gorgeous approach over the clear blue sea, white sand beach with hills in the background. The beach goers can almost touch the landing gear as planes make their landing. It's unbelievable, a aircraft lover's dream. No where else in the world can you get so close to the variety of aircraft. Anything from a 747 to a twin otter."

4. PARO (PBH), BHUTAN

"A truly unique approach towards touchdown between two valleys. Awesome, thrilling experience."

6. &BEYOND PHINDA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE AIRSTRIP, SOUTH AFRICA

"Where else in the world do you need to check the landing strip for lions or elephants before landing? AMAZING!"

7. LONDON CITY AIRPORT (LCY), UK

"Eastward approach great view of central London and the city, and what beats a 6 degree glideslope?!"

9. MUSTIQUE AIRPORT (MQS), ST VINCENT & THE GRENADINES

"You feel you might be about to mow the grass on the hilltop as you skim down to the runway - love the arrows reminding the pilot which direction is acceptable."

10. NICE COTE D’AZUR AIRPORT (NCE), FRANCE

"Amazing view when landing, sweeping over the Med. You feel like you are landing on water."