Now I totally understand that hundreds of aircraft make the landing every week without any problem. I can do the maths and appreciate that the odds of anything happening are slim. Logically they'd have to be or otherwise the authorities, the powers that be, wouldn't allow it. At least I hope they wouldn't. I'd hate to think that they'd take a 'She'll be right' attitude towards aviation standards and risk assessment. On the other hand....
The last time I came into Queenstown it was in an Airbus A320 which, it's has to be said, is not a small plane. And I know that there is plenty of room but diving down from above the mountains to land on a runway that is nestled deep in a valley in a huge airliner seems..... well....a tad optimistic.
There doesn't seem to be a lot of room for wiggle, if you know what I mean. And the mountains seem awfully close to those wings. Too close of comfort.
Well I now know I can top that. I've recently discover an even more exciting way to arrive into Queenstown. In a smaller airplane. The kind where you're practically sitting on the pilot's knee. A tiny twin-prop plane seems lost amongst the giant mountains and whether it passes through the thermals seems to be at the whim of the Gods. The increase in room to the nearest granite mountain wall is far outweighed by the fact that a slightest breeze can skew the little tin box sideways and an alarming rate. I know this to be true because I've got the fingernail scars to prove it. And if the woman who was sat next to me happens upon this blog then in sorry. I didn't meant to shriek and cause you to jump out of your skin. And although the runway seems perfectly large enough to accommodate the tiny craft, when you approach it sideways and at a rakish angle it seems less than certain that you'll hit it. Let's just say it was exciting.
Like I said, I'm not a nervous flyer but Queenstown sure does test me. I'm sure an airport geek can point me in the direction of dozens of more challenging spots to land a fast moving, jet powered human filled bullet. But I doubt it. To get over my fear of my nemesis I've done some background research. I figured if I knew more I'd worry less. It hasn't helped. But in the interests of sharing here they are;
The small planes can only land in clear conditions because they don't have any instruments to guide them. They rely wholly on visuals! I know! I'd assumed that all commercial aircraft had enough tackle to be able to land whatever the conditions. It does beg the question what would happen if fog or most descended in-flight. Then what? It's not as if the pilot can wind down the cockpit window and ask for directions or park up and get the map out. In an age when most mobile phones are equipped with GPS it doesn't seem too much to ask that aircraft are fitted with.... well..... something.
Fact number two. The airport only operates during hours of daylight. Yes, it closes. At night. Now, to be fair, I don't know whether it closes because it is too dangerous to land aircraft in anything but clear skies or whether the air traffic controllers don't like the dark. Either way it's an incredible fact. Maybe it should be renamed Queenstown International Daytime Airport.
Finally, I've learned today they Queenstown only has an airport because it was forced upon the town council. Apparently the New Zealand Government was looking for a site to put an airport in the region and had identified either Queenstown or Wanaka as the most appropriate places. Incredibly both places fought against their town being chosen. Yes against! So now Queenstown is the adventure capital of the South Island, attracts tourists from all over the country if not world, and Wanaka is it's sleepy, laid back cousin. Actually, on that score, Wanaka probably wins.
But, for all that it scares me, and scare me witless it does, it's worth it. The location of Queenstown is simply stunning. And it has been recently enhanced by the additional of some early winter snowfall. Admittedly the snow and lack of forward visibility made the take off this afternoon just a little more exciting than it needed to be. But that's ok. It's all good. And you know what? I think I'm getting used to landing in Queenstown. A few more trips like this and I'll be wholly desensitised. Bring it on I say. Now I just need an excuse to go back. Hhmm, let me see......
So by way of evidence I'll leave you with a view of Fox Glacier from the airplane. The airplane that safely landed and took off again without hitch.....
