United Airlines 737 Water Salute

Cleveland Airport firefighters performing a traditional water salute for a
retiring United Airlines Pilot. The ritual dates back to WWII when Army Air Corp
Pilots returned from their last flight before retiring or leaving the
service. Before the days of high powered monitors (turrets) on apparatus,
firefighters waiting on the ramp would hose down the Pilot down from top to
bottom as he climbed out of the aircraft. As apparatus evolved, turrets were
utilized. The military tradition lives on and has since been adopted by
civilian airlines and observed around the globe. Today, with increased reach
of turrets, fire apparatus on each side of the taxiway are able to spray
across the aircraft as the Pilot taxis under the arch on the way to the
gate. Occasionally, hose lines are used but for the most part, apparatus and
turrets are used.

[@jss747]

That is a great gopro camera angle - loved it!

[@jones10395]

Thank you! I just filmed another water salute yesterday. The weather was better and so was the water salute. I'll have that one up here probably in two weeks.

[@LisaMichele]

So many cool traditions in aviation. Thanks for sharing!

[@001jetstream3]

Hi. Awesome video. May I have a permission to use your video and promote it of course with credit ? Have a nice day.:)

[@beast-aviation-us]

Hi there, ok if I feature it? Credited on screen.
Thank you!

[@Debiop]

Hi~ this is very meaningful! Do you have the other water salute up? I would like to see that one too! Since I know that Pilot!!