After a long flight from Mexico City, your fully-loaded 747-400 freighter is finally approaching Quito, Ecuador. Your destination is Mariscal Sucre International Airport (SEQU), and it features one of the most challenging approaches in the world.

The airport sits at an altitude of 9,228 feet above sea level, is surrounded by 14,000-foot peaks, and is located in the middle of the city. The air is less dense at this altitude, so more runway will be required for landing. There's no room for error.

You're flying level at 17,000 feet, approximately 13 miles northwest of the airport. Expect vectors to the south for the visual approach to runway 35.