Was Hong Kong’s Kai Tak the world’s scariest airport?
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- čas přidán 21. 04. 2023
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Video at 00:28-00:46, 1:02-1:08, 4:47-5:06, 6:45-7:00 and 7:58-8:05 is courtesy of / airboyd
Kai Tak was an international airport situated in the heart of Hong Kong’s Kowloon Peninsula. In 1998, it was replaced by the Hong Kong International Airport in Chek Lap Kok, but Kai Tak Airport still sparks nostalgia among both aviation professionals and Hongkongers alike. While Hong Kong’s "new" airport is considered one of the best in the world, fond memories remain of old Kai Tak, a city symbol with a memorable place in local history.
Note: The work of aviation photographer Daryl Chapman who appears in this video is distributed by www.foxsteelvessel.com
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Read more about Kai Tak Airport from SCMP:
It's actually a miracle we haven't had more accidents at that airport. Probably because of its very difficult approach, only specially trained pilots could fly there.
My brother flew for Air New Zealand as a pilot and he would tell me stories of how he would see people hanging their washing out on the line flying into Kai Tak. He said it was the most exciting airport to fly into and it really made him work for his pay. He passed away in 2008.
I remember as a kid whenever visiting family in Hong Kong, in the early 90s, it was such an awesome site flying over the building you can see the people inside. And when in the streets, you can hear the roar getting louder then a giant plane flies overhead. Great memories but of course as a kid, didn't realize how dangerous it can be lol
I was honored to be on the 2nd last flight to have landed at Kai Tak on the day it closed. The whole airport was in a state of move... packing boxes everywhere. Then after 1am, I could see the boats packing up containers and shipping out from Kai Tak to Chep Lap Kok. I was staying at a hotel near the Convention Centre at the time. It was sad and exciting at the same time.
It takes the world’s greatest and the most talented pilots to execute a landing without killing someone.
That Cathay’s 747 photo was absolutely legendary!
As a business traveler, it was my fortune to experience Kai Tak ten times - twice a year in 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, and 1997. All travels originated from Seattle: 8 on Northwest Airlines, 2 on United Airlines, and all on 747's. Our first arrival was a hard-stand park. As my colleague and I waited to board the bus to bring us to the terminal, we looked at each other and said, "The Aroma of Tacoma." In retrospect, "The Aroma of Tacoma" is one of many wonderful intangible qualities that make Kai Tak both memorable and special to me.
It wasn't/isn't a myth about being able to see TV's in peoples living room. I flew into Kai Tak in 1991 and was sat on the right side (purposely asked for the seat 😃) of the Boeing 747, I can to this day still recall clearly seeing people hanging out their washing on balconies and even saw a few TV's in living rooms as we banked hard. Glad I got to do it just the once before this legendary airport closed down.
I remember flying on a 747 to Hong Kong in 1997, being on the right side of the plane and seeing in people's kitchens. I'll never forget it. You were literally flying between the buildings after that crazy bank turn to align with the runway.
I flew into HK for the first time in 1995 and I could actually see through the high rise windows, family having dinner like meters away. It was quite an experience that I will never forget.
Even with all the problems Kai Tak emitted such as the noise, pollution and crashes, It is still sad to see such a wonderful airport go away.
As a Dragonair pilot we flew into Kai Tak more than any other pilot. It became an everyday event. Four sector days meant both the Captain and F/O got a takeoff and landing every flying day. Other airlines found it tricky as they seldom flew into KaiTak. Even Cathay Pacific, mostly flying long haul, didn't get very many takeoffs and landings every month. It became second nature.
I experienced taking off from Kai Tak when I was a child, as well as watching planes landing and taking off from high rise condo. Breathtaking.
Kai Tak is iconic. Actually it is more impressive from outside the plane when you can observe the movements of the aircraft from upclose as it negotiates the landing process . A hairy experience which is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. Love the runway which goes straight into the sea- one mistake and you'll end up ditching.
I remember flying in and out of this airport as a kid, through to my teenage years. This was way back in the 80s to mid 90s. To this day, nothing quite comes close to the airport experience at Kai Tak. Truly a one of a kind place no matter which side of the runway you land or take-off from.
Sitting beside the right window and looking out as the plane made its final short turn toward the runway was the most thrilling experience in aviation. My wall is decorated with a poster of a Northwest 747 taking off from Kai Tak. It was truly an iconic airport.
I remember landing there in '88 and I distinctly remember saying to my sister...are we going to hit the buildings, are we landing in the water? It was a scary and amazing experience. My parents live in Montebello, where the planes from LAX circle in the air for approach and it is deafening at times. The house would shake so bad. I can't even imagine how loud it is for the people living that close to Kai Tak.
I was lucky enough to fly into the same airport in 1976. Sadly I was only 4 years old at the time, so don't really remember much. Later on in life my dad told me stories of how amazing the landings were and how amazing the pilots were to fly into this airport.
Fantastic video!! Brings back so many memories.