US Airways Boeing 757-23N

Ship registration N203UW. This was taken during Thanksgiving break, exactly two years ago at St.Maarten airport. This airport is famous/infamous for the beach situated right behind the displaced threshold, allow beachgoers and spotters to get very close to the takeoffs and landings. The crew on this US Airways flight were very friendly, with the first officer even giving us a wave. The takeoff was blast, quite literally. The pilots held down the brakes and waited until both Roll-Royce engines reved up to full power before letting go of the brakes. The jetblast created a ferocious sandblast that forced many beachgoers to take cover, but for someone like me, it was an one of a kind experience that I quite enjoyed, regardless of how painful it was afterwards. :)

 

Here is a separate shot of the beachgoers taking cover. You can even see some of the courageous ones holding onto the fence. www.flickr.com/photos/jimmy241st/6304203172/in/photostream

 

Camera: Nikon D3000

Lens: NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR

Done