₦airaland Forum

What I Learned Today: The Tradition of the Water Salute

Today, I witnessed something that piqued my curiosity. While at the airport to receive the Honorable Minister of Aviation, Hon. Festus Keyamo (SAN), I watched as the plane bringing him landed at Ekiti Airport. I noticed firefighting vehicles positioned nearby, seemingly ready to address a potential fire. This made me quite worried, as I thought it could reflect poorly on the government. The plane sat on the tarmac for about three minutes while the firefighting ambulances sprayed water in an arch over it.

In a moment of panic, I rushed over to my superiors to ask if everything was okay and if the plane was about to catch fire. To my surprise, they all laughed and informed me that it was just a "water salute."

This experience reminded me of the importance of education and awareness. If you’re not informed, it’s easy to feel embarrassed or even misunderstood, just as I did! Thankfully, I sought out information to better understand the situation.

For those who might not be familiar, here’s a brief overview of the tradition of a water salute, which I found through research:

What is a Water Salute?

A water salute is a tradition in aviation that involves spraying an arch of water over an aircraft to honor a special occasion. It is a sign of respect and celebration for the aircraft, crew, and passengers.

When is a Water Salute Given?
- First Flight of an Airline: To mark the inaugural flight of an airline to a new airport.

- First Flight of a New Aircraft: To celebrate the debut of a new aircraft model.

- Retirement of a Pilot: To honor a retiring pilot.

- Final Flight of an Aircraft Type: To mark the last flight of a specific aircraft type.

- Inauguration of a New Route: To celebrate the opening of a new flight route.

How is a Water Salute Performed?
1. Firefighting vehicles are positioned perpendicularly along the sides of a taxiway or apron.
2. These vehicles spray coordinated plumes of water to form an arch.
3. The aircraft then passes under the arch of water.

Why is a Water Salute Performed?
The tradition originates from the golden age of transatlantic shipping and symbolizes respect and camaraderie among pilots and ground crew. It’s similar to a bridal party walking under a wedding arch.

---

I hope this helps us all, no be everything and every time we go dey do gbasgbos let's educate ourselves too

AngelGabbyShara:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ApKF7whHJ/

AngelGabbyShara:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ApKF7whHJ/

jjbest123:
Anyways,I am happy you learnt something,it's not new to us though.

fineboynl:
How manage you work at aviation and not know this?

fineboynl:
How manage you work at aviation and not know this?

While at the airport to receive the Honorable Minister of Aviation, Hon. Festus Keyamo (SAN)

Mathewrichard99:
Omg! The only sensible question so far...I wanted to ask same question but said let me read a little maybe an intelligent person like you have asked the question. Kudos to you....very intelligent....

Mathewrichard99:
Omg! The only sensible question so far...I wanted to ask same question but said let me read a little maybe an intelligent person like you have asked the question. Kudos to you....very intelligent....

fineboynl:
How manage you work at aviation and not know this?

jjbest123:
Olodo! Na now you come know


Go school,you said no, it's good to be following politicians up and down,and be ass licking. 🙄🙄🙄


Anyways,I am happy you learnt something,it's not new to us though.