Plane Spotting
By James W., 5th Grade
Do you want to see a plane landing right over your head? Well, if you do then read on. In St. Martin, which is in the Caribbean, planes fly in around 10-15 feet above you. It’s a perfect place to take pictures of planes. (Don’t try to touch the plane.) But it’s not over yet. That’s just the landing. When the planes take off there’s a fence you can hang on to. When the planes take off you’re in for the ride of your life. There’s rocks flying at your face at 60 mph! It sounds scary but I’m going there. I’ll tell you more when I get back!
James, you’re still making me nervous with this crazy idea! I think we need to add the caveat, “Don’t try this at (your) home (airport), kids!” I’m glad you added the part about not doing stupid stuff you could regret. But when you go, be sure to take lots of pictures (and videos!!!)!!! Do you have any more aviation stories for us? I can’t wait!
We used to live in Columbus, OH and families would sit on top of their cars in the McDonald’s parking lot by the airport to watch the planes take off overhead. The St. Martin experience sounds exhilarating (but dangerous!) When you get home from your plane-spotting experience safe and sound I’d definitely like to hear more about it!
This could be the scariest vacation our family has ever had!!! We will have to take lots of videos and pictures to capture the moment. Maybe just you and your Dad should do this!
Ya, this is going to be a scary trip but fun!
That’s really cool!
I think it would be fun riding one of those airplanes.
Plane spotting is going to be a lot of fun. I am excited about going to St. Martin too!
Clint and James, stay safe and bring back lots of pictures – or video! James, I can’t wait for you to write PART TWO…!
You should bring a wind turbine to capture some of the wasted energy.
Think you need to be wearing protective gear to watch!!! The picture of the runway looks scary…better have a real, seasoned pilot!! Enjoy the sun!!!
Great writing. I can really sense your excitement. Take lots of pictures. I am sure you will never forget this experience.
Sounds exciting — enjoy your trip and watch out for those flying rocks!
Yikes! Sounds really exciting! Popsi would love it; I would hate it but I know this is right up your alley. I’m sure you’ll have a great time. Popsi and I can’t wait to hear about it and, hopefully, to see some photos. See you soon in Eugene; we’ll be eager to hear more about it.
James, that spot is awesome. Just remember that most 747s have 4 engines usually made by Pratt & Whitney, GE, or Rolls Royce that generate 70 to 105,000 pounds of thrust a piece and can blow over a bus in the jet wake. Wear protective eye wear and good clothes and try watching from the beach first before going to the fence. Take great photos and have fun!
yay new highs score 15 comments and yes i will be careful and take pictures and have layers lots and lots of layers
Your plane spotting sounds very exciting! It will be extremely noisy too, so I hope you will wear ear plugs to protect your hearing! I’ll be really eager to hear about your experience afterward! Keep us all on your mailing list…..
James you better have fun because well let me think…oh yeah you could get hurt but, you will get hurt from your favorite thing.