Looking for a white-knuckle experience on your next flight? Make sure your itinerary includes one of these airports with challenging takeoffs or landings. While numerous regulations are in place to ensure commercial airports remain perfectly safe, uninitiated flyers may be in for an unexpected journey. From limited-visibility landings and super-short runways to inconveniently placed volcanoes, thrill seekers will want to get a front-row seat on these flights. But rest assured: "There's no such thing as a scary or dangerous airport. Each airport has its own idiosyncrasies," emphasizes pilot Patrick Smith, author of the Ask the Pilot blog. So buckle your seatbelt, and prepare for an adrenaline-filled ride.

We've asked a couple of pilots, along with SmarterTravel readers, for their insights and experiences with difficult takeoffs and landings. Be sure to add yours in the comments section below each photo, and we'll publish a second story featuring your scary airport tales.