I got jetblasted by an A340 on takeoff 30m away!....and survived

ILSstud

ILSstud

Well-Known Member
So I just got back from my trip to Saint Maarten, and I thought I should share my "lifechanging" moment with all of you. For those of you who haven't been there (I truly suggest that you should) the beach is about 30m or so off the runway. Result: you can get jetblasted from a 757, 747, A340, and numerous other island hoppers. Anyway, a group of us decided it would be fun and entirely stupid to stand directly behind the Air France A340 bound for Paris. Well, I am still picking sand out of my hair. I went flying into the water because of course I had to let go of the concrete embankment. It was truly amazing though! You never realize the power these machines have until you feel it. Does anyone know how I can post some pictures to show you guys?? It truly was an amazing trip; I got some beautiful pictures...including a 747-400 landing about 50 feet above my head and a 757 taking off about 100 feet above my head. Very exciting indeed!
 
hmmmm, me thinks someone's been watching too much Jack@ss.

Then again, I probably would've done the same....

grin.gif
grin.gif
grin.gif
 
I wrote this message didn't I hehe...Aside from a huge gash on my nose from a stray pebble, I am perfectly fine. It's funny because if you wave or even just stand there the pilots will smile at you and pull the plane as close as they can and do a static runup. That's what makes the adventure all the more exciting. I stood behind an American 757-200 that just rolled a little and took off and that was nothing. It's the static runups that really blow you away. My friend, however, didn't do so well. He purchased a pair of Gucci sunglasses at the airport, and for some crazy reason he wore them behind the jet. Well, they cracked on his face and broke into 5 pieces (well 5 that we could find...anyway).
 
[ QUOTE ]
Well, they cracked on his face and broke into 5 pieces

[/ QUOTE ]
Thos isn't sounding too safe. I can just hear it now, "Yeah Doc, I got all of this glass in my eye because I was standing behind a 757 when it was about to depart." Sounds like a good way lose your vision/ life. I think there is a video somewhere of people getting blown into the water, much like you and your friends I imagine? Don't think that I'm bashin you either, I've done plenty of stupid thing in my life.
banghead.gif
 
Actually it was an A340
wink.gif
...Personally, I took all the precautions (other than avoiding standing behind a da** jet) like taking off my glasses and necklace etc. However, I do agree it was an easy way to hurt oneself. I guess I like that stuff: skydiving, jetblast etc. Gotta live your life a little or at least make it a tad interesting hehe. I would definately do it again!
 
Yeah it would! There is this bar right next to the runway called The Sunset Beach Bar. It's got a really nice atmosphere.
 
[ QUOTE ]
I took all the precautions (other than avoiding standing behind a da** jet)

[/ QUOTE ]

Here's your sign ...
wink.gif
 
Sunset Beach Bar is awesome! I was in St. Maarten for a wwek in April and loved it! Airport beach is totally cool! You have a beach, a bar, and an airport all within 1/4 mile of each other.
smile.gif
Can't get any better than that!!!
 
Hell yeah Luftpost!...you know we are all crazy one way or another hehe. As for the jetblast, it really wasn't that hot...it was more like a very fierce summer breeze
grin.gif
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top