Water Salute is a kind of celebration that celebrates in the airport to congratulate or welcome for certain special aircraft. The process of Two or more Fire Fighters spraying water towards aircraft from both sides in the shape of the arch while taxing is called water salute. It is also said as " Shower of Affection ".
History of Water Salute :
No one has any idea about when and who started this tradition at first. In earlier days oceanliners had this tradition of spraying water on the ships or near the ships for its maiden journey and first visit for any destination.
In aviation, it firstly started in the 1990s by delta airlines for their captain retirement at salt lake city international airport, Utah, United States. For this, the airlines need powerful firefighter trucks, a proper spacious taxiway to make this tradition possible. Even the firefighters need to be trained properly to shoot the water at such a huge height and distance according to the wind speed and direction. Oshkosh striker truck is one of the most powerful firefighter truck which is mostly used for this event.
( Oshkosh striker )
During this, The employees conducting water salute need to make sure that this process shouldn't trouble any passenger or other nearby aircraft and also not to spoil the workplace. This is the reason why they need a spacious taxiway to perform this occasion. Depending on their personal interest and possibility companies use two, three, or even five firefighters. 3,000 gallons of water are sprayed in 2 minutes and the company needs to inform ATC and Airport Fire Department before performing water salute.
( Aircraft receiving Water Salute )
In another view, This helps like a practice for the firefighters to perform their skills. As airports use firefighter trucks in rare situations this will also help to check the condition of firefighter trucks to maintain it in good condition and kept ready if any emergency occurs.
When is water salute performed:
When the pilot's last flight before retirement.
New Model of Aircraft is added to the airlines fleet.
Airlines first arrival at an airport
If any record created by aircraft during the journey.
Airlines last flight to an airport before shutting down the operations.
Last flight before closing a particular air route.
Retirement of an ATC officer.
This is a very rare and exciting moment to experience a water salute for not only passengers but also aviators. Everyone in this industry wishes to experience a water salute at least once in their career. For passengers also its a very rare phenomenon and many passengers who see this will think it as an aircraft is getting washed. The aircraft washing process is completely different and I will write a blog about it in my upcoming blogs. Have you ever seen a water salute? If yes, share your experience in the comment box.
(Need to clear any doubts? The comment section always welcomes you) THANK YOU
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