Threshold at 11, Aruba

When landing at Aruba, most flights use Runway 11 due to the prevailing winds from the east, south east. Lately the wind has been variable with some planes landing from the other direction. Either way, Queen Beatrix Airport has plenty of room to accommodate the largest aircraft, including the Boeing 747 which arrives from Amsterdam a couple of times a week. Here’s a look at the threshold of Runway 11 for my flying pals who can never get enough of this kind of thing.

It has to be a beautiful sight from the left seat of jetliner, coming in over the scattered reefs and shoals dotting the blue Caribbean. I’ve heard stories from the old days of my pals riding the jump seat. That was back when things like that were permitted. These days, we’re stuck in the back, catching a glimpse here and there. Unless… well… unless the flying club gets their Cessna going again. Then I’d be quite happy to take a trip around the pattern and see it first hand.

Bon dia from Aruba.

Published in: on August 26, 2011 at 12:31 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Palomarga Raceway, Aruba

If you like to combine drag racing with Caribbean sunshine, then make a visit to Aruba while the races are going on at the Palomarga Raceway. There are some scheduled races going on right now and the competition is going to first class. Take a look at the track as seen from the air. The lanes are on the left of the frame, then the stands, then the pit area near the top of the photo.

That’s quite a track. Maybe you have a car you want to send to Aruba and race it yourself. Either way, it’s an exciting activity you might not expect in a place like Aruba, something different to do while you’re here enjoying the sun and water sports. Check the schedule and head down to Palomarga. Don’t forget your earplugs.

Bon dia from Aruba.

Published in: on August 25, 2011 at 12:22 pm  Leave a Comment  
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De Palm Island, Aruba

De Palm Tours operates an island attraction just a few hundred yards off shore of Aruba. In the next photo, you’ll see it from above.

You’ll find plenty of activities on De Palm Island. Snorkeling, water slides, beaches, and snacks all await your arrival. A small boat takes you from the main island out here and runs regular service back and forth all day. Bring your swimsuit, your towel, and a smile. You’ll have a great time.

Bon dia from Aruba.

Published in: on August 24, 2011 at 11:49 am  Leave a Comment  
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Helicopter Flying, Aruba

For several years, I’ve wanted to take the helicopter tour of Aruba. I know the island very well from ground level, and I’ve seen it when arriving and departing via commercial aircraft. However, it was time to see it from about 500 above ground level. In order to stay on budget, I combined a bit of sight-seeing with a real estate photo mission. Worked out perfectly. So, here’s a video showing takeoff from the Seaport Marina, flying north along the low- and high-rise hotel area to the Marriott Complex. Next, we turned inland toward Paradera then south to Spanish Lagoon and my neighborhood of Savaneta. From there it’s inland toward the windmills at Vader Piet, an important location in my next novel, Hacha’s Gold. Finally, a turn north and west, past the Palo Margo raceway and along the coast to the heliport. Check it out.


The pilot did an excellent job of orbiting around the sites I wanted to photograph. There is a fair amount of traffic in and out of the Queen Beatrix Airport, which is very close to where we were flying. He had to juggle the control tower’s orders while navigating to and from my requests. The flight wasn’t cheap, but it was worth every cent. If you’re in Aruba, don’t miss the chance to see the island from up there.

Bon dia from Aruba.

Published in: on August 21, 2011 at 11:06 am  Leave a Comment  
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