It’s a Tuesday morning in February, and I’m headed to work. Don’t cry too hard for me, dear reader; work in this case involves a round trip to Rio de Janiero and back in the 767. Today’s commute to my base airport is a rare two-legger, and on the first leg I’m traveling on an even rarer paid ticket. A few days ago Windbird made a beautiful starlit passage from tony St. Barth to the sunny isle of Antigua, which my employer serves but once a week. Thus I am starting my day by boarding a Winair Twin Otter bound for Sint Maarten (SXM). Accompanying me are my parents, who are heading home from nine sun-soaked days aboard Windbird, a welcome respite from an exceptionally snowy Minnesota winter.
Taking Wing: Airports of the Caribbean
Key Takeaways:
- The author, a commercial pilot, shares his personal connection and admiration for Caribbean flying, especially on Twin Otters with regional airline Winair.
- The article details the unique and often challenging characteristics of various Caribbean airports, from major hubs like Sint Maarten (SXM) to notoriously difficult island airstrips.
- It highlights Saba's Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport, known for having the world's shortest commercial runway, and St. Barth's Gustaf III Airport, famous for its steep approach over a traffic circle.
- Despite their reputation as "dangerous," the rarity of accidents at these high-threat airports is attributed to the exceptional skill, rigorous training, and consistent experience of the pilots operating them.
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