Landing in Tokyo
Exactly 3 years ago, in November 2018, I had been asked to make the film "Pilote" for Air France. So I was able to go to my usual workplace but this time, to film (not fly) and to interview my colleagues. I was able to join a 777 crew on their Paris-Tokyo flight.
During the approach we were lucky enough to have unlimited visibility on a full moon night. Sitting on the second jumpseat, I was able to film the sequence with my Sony alpha 7Sii camera and capture some pictures with another Sony alpha 7iii. The first one being optimized for video, the second one for stills.
The approach, sublime as usual, made us arrive from the north. At the end of the flight we even flew along the East coast of Japan from Iwaki to Hitachininaka. To finish on an approach path to Chiba passing west of Narita. Tokyo Narita is our alternate landing place in case of failure. Because tonight we land at Tokyo Haneda, a real aircraft carrier nestled in the heart of Tokyo. The STAR (standard arrival procedure) is the name of the approach map with mandatory overflight points with altitude and speed constraints. Before any landing, we review the trajectory together during our briefing to remember the names of the some “surprising” points ... tonight we have: COACH, EDDIE, CREAM, CAMEL, CACAO. Each airport has its own points, which are often decided by the local ATC (Air Traffic Control). A passion for hot chocolate-cream in Tokyo? Maybe.
The landing on runway 23 is always spectacular. Entirely built on an artificial platform in the middle of the water, you can easily understand the comparison with an aircraft carrier. But what makes it special is also this slightly winding trajectory to reach the final. Indeed, here the sound and environmental constraints are strong, it is thus with us pilot, to adapt our trajectory. With a turn above Kimitsu we skirt the bay of Tokyo to finally intercept our final axis which is still at 40 degrees of the landing axis. All this is perfectly under control by a crew of 3 pilots, even 4 with our favorite Autopilot who follows the trajectory we are monitoring.
The view is simply magnificent. Which is easy for me as an observer on this flight. But as a pilot you must stay 100% focused on your instruments and your trajectory, which can sometimes leave the bitter taste of not having enjoyed the landscape but that's how it is!
The 3 pilots manage this approach perfectly and land the plane smoothly for the comfort of the passengers. It is 6:30 pm, local temperature is 7 degrees, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Tokyo.
From this memorable approach, I have chosen a particular photo for which I have created a wall frame. Thanks to a unique printing process on high quality Alu-dibond, we have succeeded in obtaining a frame whose colors are faithful to reality. Even in the large monochrome sections, with a tonal gradient that ensures accurate reproduction. The direct print on the aluminum is matte and glare-free, but the light areas have a slight silky sheen. Displayed on your wall, you're with us when we land in Tokyo.
Available as a limited edition on the site's store, with free shipping anywhere on earth.
Here another approach, this time on runway 22