Traveltalkonline.com Forums

.


SXM Cruise Schedule TTOL Sponsors SXM Travel Calendar
Forum Statistics
Forums39
Topics39,564
Posts320,874
Members26,686
Most Online4,031
Dec 15th, 2024
Top Posters(30 Days)
jazzgal 44
RonDon 35
GaKaye 24
Kennys 21
Member Spotlight
islandgem
islandgem
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 13,197
Joined: January 2008
Today's Birthdays
SteveCrane
Who's Online Now
22 members (Todd, MrEZgoin, BillDauterive, bostonbob, MGA, Zanshin, Kennys, alecu7, SXMBND, JandIrene, xrayman67, SXMScubaman, knitsoftwear, CLIFFTOPS, CaribbeanCanadians, mark37, Whale Tail, Don_and_Linda, Alltech63, eightzerobits, SXMbeacher, 1 invisible), 1,712 guests, and 90 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
Page 1 of 2 1 2
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,843
Likes: 2
Traveler
OP Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,843
Likes: 2


J.D.
SXM Sponsors
.
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220
Which translates to the end of May (or maybe the beginning of June) 2018!


Rah Rah Rasputin
They put some poison into his wine
He drank it all and said "I feel fine"
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,243
Likes: 2
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,243
Likes: 2
" Able to function optimally much sooner "

Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,843
Likes: 2
Traveler
OP Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,843
Likes: 2
Quote
sugarae said:
" Able to function optimally much sooner "


Remember, "island time".

Hey, I just posted a link to the article. I have know idea if it will be 3 weeks 5 weeks or 35+ weeks but I seriously doubt the airport will be ready for commercial air traffic within the time frame some are reportedly booking tickets for.

Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,687
L
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
L
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,687
I read that article. Now lets hope it puts every ones vacation into perspective. I don't think anyone of us at home have any idea how much damage was done to that airport. A Cat 5! The destruction was like a tornado going around in a circle for 12 hours. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> It is unbelievable!

Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 19,484
Likes: 4
Traveler
Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 19,484
Likes: 4

Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 355
S
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
S
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 355
Unless you have a business or property on Island, not sure why anyone would want to try and vacation... We who have a home and have destruction know first hand, we will not be able to get there and not get repairs for a long while... We lived through luis, and the Island did not look even normal for 3 years... this is much worse. I think we all should just know for now and months to come we will not be there and frankly not welcome there.. Residents are just trying to survive. No one will be able to cater to outsiders... if the airlines are booking? Its bogus, they will not fly into an airport that is damaged. And we for sure are not flying to a small island to get in, sorry that's for young people...

Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 19,484
Likes: 4
Traveler
Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 19,484
Likes: 4
Lots of resorts that are damaged need to get their decision makers on island to assess the damage and come up with plans to repair. This is very true for the two Diamond resorts Flamingo and Royal Palm. Commercial flights are a must at this time. You don't need the Terminal as it was before to accept flights. Just the basics.

Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 215
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 215
This time frame doesn't surprise me at all. From the pictures that I have seen there has been substantial damage to this facility. Just think about the roof for example. The article states 75% of the roof sheathing and insulation has been damaged. The article also states that this roof damage has caused leaks and mold to develop.

Before any interior repairs and/or mold remediation work can begin this building must be “dried in”, which means that the water must be kept out. You cannot start to clean up the mold if the building is still “wet”. Therefore, the first step in the repair process is going to be to fix the roof and windows to keep the rain out. Both of the windows and roofing materials are going to be special order materials made specifically for that building. That means that somebody has to determine the extent of the damage, figure out the materials needed for the repair, then order the materials. In a perfect world, this process could easily take 2 to 4 weeks. Then once the materials are ordered they have to produced, this process could easily take 6 to 8 weeks. Then they have to be shipped to the island, maybe 1-2 weeks. After the materials are received it will probably take at least 4 to 8 weeks to perform the actual repairs. That all adds up to 13 to 22 weeks before the inside can even be started.

I don’t think the airport can be open to commercial air traffic until at least some of the interior work can be completed. Not to mention that work can’t even be started until after the building is “dried in” and will take many, many weeks after that to complete, especially with all of the technology in a building like this. Unfortunately, for those folks that think they will be able to arrive anytime in the near future to an operational terminal open to the public, I think that idea is pretty much a pipe dream. My guess is the 35 weeks is a pretty good estimation of a time line.

I’m not trying to bust anyone’s bubble, but rather help those folks with a realistic synopsis of the situation.

Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,992
Likes: 4
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,992
Likes: 4
..yet they are saying it will be open on October 6 for commercial traffic, but they basically will not be using the terminal building at all..


Carol Hill
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,623
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,623
Still....just reading about all the OUTSIDE damage alone, including to the runway and fencing, lights, etc, I find it very hard to believe they're going to be ready for commercial flights in just over one week from today. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" />


Robin & Ed

One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things. - Henry Miller

Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220
Quote


THAT STORY IS COMPLETE BULL !

See this from Govt. source saying so:

"No date set for restarting of commercial flights

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister responsible for Aviation Affairs Mellissa Arrindell-Doncher has re-iterated that no official date has been announced by government for the resumption of commercial flights into St. Maarten.

The Minister stressed that travelers need to be careful with any information unless it comes from the official source, in other words, the government of St. Maarten. She said there is some confusion being created by, among other things, airlines announcing dates that they hope to resume service to the island.

In some cases, airlines are allowing people to book tickets although the green light has not been given by government to execute commercial flights. “We have stated before and will state again, the Princess Juliana International Airport has to meet various safety and operational regulations before it can handle commercial flights,” the Minister said.

“When we are at that point to accept commercial flights again, we will announce this and in due time. At the moment there is no date. We urge potential passengers abroad and at home to wait on official notification,” she added.

Press Release from the Ministry of TEATT"


Rah Rah Rasputin
They put some poison into his wine
He drank it all and said "I feel fine"
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,712
Likes: 1
pat Offline
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,712
Likes: 1
Hmmmm, just a thought but could the word 'commercial' be the problem here?

Just thinking out loud, but to me, the word commercial would indicate anything that costs money but that doesn't necessarily mean passenger flights, does it?

Could they be opening the runways and the airport for shipping purposes only? Lord knows, there's a need for goods to come to the island quickly and that would not require the man-power or facilities that passenger flights in and out might require. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220
I believe flights that are considered humanitarian (free?) or relief flights are exempt.

Commercial flights is where you buy a ticket to be a passenger, etc.


Rah Rah Rasputin
They put some poison into his wine
He drank it all and said "I feel fine"
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220
From the original article that started this thread:

"She added that while she understands the frustration of residents abroad wanting to come home and those in St. Maarten wanting to leave, the normalisation of commercial flights cannot commence until the airport is fully ready to service these flights. The Airport, she explained, falls under several regulations in terms of safety and operations of international flights.
“We cannot jeopardize the status of the airport and that of St. Maarten by rushing operations at the airport,” she said."

Among the things needed to be done:
"Attain critical systems needed for Air Traffic Services (ATS) to perform separation (classification D) of traffic."

i.e. to re-establish civilian air traffic control, they have no beacon or radar now; I have a feeling that is not up to international standards for commercial flights.

Last edited by Rasputin; 09/28/2017 04:34 PM.

Rah Rah Rasputin
They put some poison into his wine
He drank it all and said "I feel fine"
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,712
Likes: 1
pat Offline
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,712
Likes: 1
I didn't know that and I stand corrected. It sounded reasonable to me, though..... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 19,484
Likes: 4
Traveler
Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 19,484
Likes: 4
Yes. Airport needs to be fully functional and meet all safety criteria for commercial flights to begin. Needing the current terminal is a different story.

Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220
I never said that they needed the current terminal <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />


Rah Rah Rasputin
They put some poison into his wine
He drank it all and said "I feel fine"
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 148
T
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
T
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 148
Airlines are in business to sell tickets. I think it borders on foolhardy to buy an airline ticket to SXM right now, for anytime in the near future. I wouldn't do it until the airport is confirmed to be open....by the airport authority.

Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,992
Likes: 4
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,992
Likes: 4
Yikes. OK.. Link to the press release??


Carol Hill
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220
Here is one, but there are more:

https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/69717-no-date-set-for-restarting-of-commercial-flights


Here is the original source of that original, inaccurate, BS article about the airport re-opening Oct. 6th;
note bottom half of article, they did an "update" but not a retraction. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />

http://www.smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-ma...al-flights.html


Last edited by Rasputin; 09/28/2017 07:05 PM.

Rah Rah Rasputin
They put some poison into his wine
He drank it all and said "I feel fine"
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,666
I
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
I
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,666
Plus they can do visual in day time. Old school and tricky but I knew the chief ATC at PJIA and he trained with major aerospace vendors, i.e. Raytheon. PJIA is one of the most difficult airports in the world.
Cheers

Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220
I don't think that "visual in day time" is up to international requirements for Commercial flights.


Rah Rah Rasputin
They put some poison into his wine
He drank it all and said "I feel fine"
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,288
P
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
P
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,288
Actually a visual approach is what all are making right now and what most make in normal times to PJIA (aka TNCM). The tower frequency 118.7 MHz is up. They have never has a precision Instrument Landing System (ILS) at PJIA. They do have a non-precision instrument approach to the PJM VOR (that funny antenna thing across from the casino). According to the NOTAM below, the PJM VOR Is out of service as are the lights, several frequencies.

they have no JET FUEL.

But they can conduct visual flight rules (VFR) visual approaches. Prior permission is required prior to arrival for humanitarian, military, etc.

https://pilotweb.nas.faa.gov/PilotWeb/no...etrievalByICAOs


TNCM PRINCESS JULIANA INTL [Back to Top]

A0563/17 NOTAMR A0561/17
Q) TJZS/QFALC/IV/NBO/A/000/999/1802N06306W005
A) TNCM B) 1709281125 C) 1709291130
E) AD CLSD. HUM, MIL, SAR, HOSP, MEDEVAC AND STATE FLT ARE ALLOWED
AND NEED PRE APV FOR TKOF AND LDG. TKOF AND LDG VFR OPS ONLY FM 1130Z
TILL 2130Z. PRE APV CAN BE REQUESTED VIA FOLLOWING EMAIL
LOUIS.HALLEY(AT)SINTMAARTENGOV.ORG OR BY PHONE +1-721-520-5339
A0555/17 NOTAMN
Q) TJZS/QFUAU/IV/NBO/A/000/999/1802N06306W005
A) TNCM B) 1709241845 C) 1710081845
E) JET FUEL UNAVAILABLE AT TNCM
A0544/17 NOTAMN
Q) TJZS/QCACR/IV/B/AE/000/999/1802N06306W005
A) TNCM B) 1709201600 C) 1710201130
E) MAIN FREQ 118.7 MHZ AVBL TO CTC ATC TNCM.
A0543/17 NOTAMN
Q) TJZS/QXXXX/IV/NBO/A/000/150/1802N06306W040
A) TNCM B) 1709201600 C) 1710201130
E) TNCM DIRECT SPEECH CIRCUIT CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE DUE TO RESULTS OF
HURCN.
F) SFC G) FL150
A0542/17 NOTAMN
Q) TJZS/QFMAU/IV/BO/A/000/999/1802N06306W005
A) TNCM B) 1709201600 C) 1710201130
E) MET SER NOT AVBL DUE TO RESULTS OF HURCN.
A0541/17 NOTAMN
Q) TJZS/QCAAS/IV/B/AE/000/999/1802N06306W005
A) TNCM B) 1709201600 C) 1710201130
E) EMERG FREQ 121.5 MHZ U/S DUE TO RESULTS OF HURCN.
A0540/17 NOTAMR A0531/17
Q) TJZS/QSAXX/IV/NBO/A/000/999/1802N06306W005
A) TNCM B) 1709201555 C) 1710201130
E) ATIS IS CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE DUE TO RESULTS OF HURCN.
A0539/17 NOTAMR A0532/17
Q) TJZS/QNMXX/IV/NBO/AE/000/999/1802N06306W005
A) TNCM B) 1709201555 C) 1710201130
E) PJM VOR/DME IS CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE DUE TO RESULTS OF HURCN.
A0538/17 NOTAMR A0533/17
Q) TJZS/QXXXX/IV/NBO/AW/000/150/1802N06306W040
A) TNCM B) 1709201550 C) 1710201130
E) TNCM ATS SUSPENDED DUE TO THE RESULTS OF HURCN.
F) SFC G) FL150
A0239/17 NOTAMN
Q) TJZS/QNBAW/IV/BO/AE/000/999/1802N06307W030
A) TNCM B) 1706182216 C) PERM
E) PJD NDB 284.0 KHZ OUT OF SERVICE AND WILL BE PERMANENTLY

Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220

"But they can conduct visual flight rules (VFR) visual approaches. Prior permission is required prior to arrival for humanitarian, military, etc."

So are you trying to give the impression that they can open the airport for normal Commercial Flights in violation of certain other International standards for Commercial flights? I don't think so.

Your "cut-and-paste" does not address that issue, does it?

I never claimed that "visual approach" is not what they are using now. Rather that the condition of the air traffic control system is not up to international standards for Commercial Flights. Is visual approach without an operating civilian air traffic control system up to standards? This discussion is just getting ridiculous.

Point being is airport is not open for Commercial Flights, period.

Last edited by Rasputin; 09/28/2017 09:10 PM.
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,288
P
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
P
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,288
Whatever

Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,288
P
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
P
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,288
Delta, American, united, KLM all make visual approaches everyday at airports big and small.

The cut and paste is the official NOTAMs for the airport. Through the I'd save some clicking to faa.gov.

The only thing they may not have for daytime vfr ops is a radar to provide traffic separation on the approach. Probably not a whole lot of traffic but nonetheless. A military ship in the area could provide that surveillance radar if their was one.

Your right, as our my NOTAMS, not open for commercial flights.

Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220
Exactly. Let's wait and see when the SXM Govt. announces that the airport will be open to commercial traffic.
The rest of this is just a waste of time.


Rah Rah Rasputin
They put some poison into his wine
He drank it all and said "I feel fine"
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,288
P
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
P
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,288
no finer way to waste time than hanging here with us TTOLers

Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220
I can agree with that <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/smashpc.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />


Rah Rah Rasputin
They put some poison into his wine
He drank it all and said "I feel fine"
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 835
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 835
Think about his for a moment. For regular passenger traffic there will have to be some sort of indoor facilities. Airlines will need a way to print boarding passes, baggage tags and to check people in on their computer systems. There will also have to be the normal security screening of passengers and a way to keep them segregated after screening. Some sort of temporary facilities will have to be set up. That's going to take more than a couple of weeks I would think.

Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,843
Likes: 2
Traveler
OP Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,843
Likes: 2
Correct. For those who think a "shack" can be thrown up and the airport look like it was 20 years ago, that will not happen. The world as a whole has changed with security being a major part of that change. It isn't like Delta or AA is going to fly in, open the doors and passengers grab their luggage and they are on their way.


J.D.
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 11,593
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 11,593
Correct, also where could it (temporary and secure facilities) be put realistically. Cannot put temporary in front of the current terminal. Where the Winair buildings and the freight buildings are is way too small. The only area that I can think of at the moment is where the employee parking is located. That has its own issues, but the only place that would be large enought to handle any kind of regular amount of passengers.


Eric Hill
TTOL Sponsors
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 215
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 215
Even a temporary facility will take time to build. With all of the rules and regulations governing air traffic now. I would have to believe that a pretty good security system will have to be in place before any aircraft leaving SXM will be allowed in USA airspace.

Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 19,484
Likes: 4
Traveler
Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 19,484
Likes: 4

Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,992
Likes: 4
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,992
Likes: 4
Not sure what the "FBO Building" is that they are referring to??


Carol Hill
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
A Fixed Base Operator (FBO) is an entity - usually a commercial company - which provides "aviation services" at an airport. One of the main services they provide is fueling, either full service or a self service pump.


"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest" wink
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 931
F
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
F
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 931
Quote
Carol_Hill said:
Not sure what the "FBO Building" is that they are referring to??


FBO = Fixed Based Operator That's an Aviation Industry term used to describe a building that provides services for Private Aircraft. There's one or more FBO's at almost every airport.

Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,992
Likes: 4
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,992
Likes: 4
OK, so where is this building at PJIA??


Carol Hill
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Quote
Carol_Hill said:
OK, so where is this building at PJIA??


Depends upon which one is usable. PJIA has four.


Arrindell Aviation | Signature Flight Support (FBO)

ExecuJet St. Maarten (FBO)

Halley Aviation Services (Handler)

Menzies Aviation St. Maarten (FBO)


"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest" wink
Page 1 of 2 1 2

Link Copied to Clipboard
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5