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Most of us have seen videos related to Water Cannon Salute when an aircraft is arriving or departing from the airport having a water spray after leaving the gate and taxing towards the runway or arriving at the airport and going towards the gate.
Most of us think is for the cleaning of aircraft or to cool down the aircraft as it is flying for hours but it is not for this purpose as clearing of aircraft is not done in this way and there is no need to cool the aircraft as it already comes from ultra-low temperature. This process of spraying water over aircraft is called Water Cannon Salute, so why this is done let’s see.
What is Water Cannon Salute and Why is it done in the Aviation Industry?
The water cannon salute also called “Showers of Affection” is an old tradition used in the Aviation Industry it is used to show Respect honor, gratitude, and also for celebration. Not only civil aviation but military also do the same. It does not have a purpose or benefits but when we give respect to anyone, we don’t expect anything in return. Some of the occasions when a water cannon salute is done. This is the most memorable and rare movement for the crew or anyone who connected with that flight.
- The First and Last flight of Any Airline.
- First and Last flight of Any Aircraft. In December 2019, Indian Air Force gives a water cannon salute to MIG 27 on their Last retirement flight.
- Whan a Captain or any senior crew flows the flight for the Last time to show them honor and gratitude.
- In case of any celebration such as the national team returning to the country after winning a tournament.
The Airport ARFF (Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting) team has a responsibility to perform a water cannon salute. In most cases, two fire-fighting vehicles are used that have the capacity of spraying water at high speed.
Things to ensure before performing a water cannon salute.
- Air Traffic Control must be informed and asked before performing a water salute As the Taxi way must not be used by other aircraft.
- A taxiway that has enough space to accommodate both firefighting vehicles and aircraft.
- The direction and speed of the wind must be analyzed before performing the water salute otherwise it will be sprayed to other places.
The History Behind Water cannon salute.
In the 90s When any ship is launched or had its first journey then marine staff used a water salute to celebrate the occasion by spreading water over the ship. As most of the rules are taken from Marine Industry by Aviation so this Tradition has also become popular in Aviation.
The Salt Lake international airport used a water salute for the First Time in the aviation industry to show honor and gratitude to Delta Airlines Pilot.
The negatives of water cannon salute.
- The rate at which two fire-fighting vehicles throw water is around 3000 liters per two minutes which can lead to water wastage.
- In the case of the Rainy Season the taxiway is also wet if a water salute is done it will make the taxiway wet which led to difficulties in Aircraft movements.