NewStats: 3,265,274 , 8,186,200 topics. Date: Saturday, 14 June 2025 at 07:59 AM 4t294x

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 engers.

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 es 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.

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

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FTC again, wow. As usual, I dedicate this to all the genuine and legal hustler in naija, despite the chaotic and harshness of this part of the world you remain resolute in your genuine hustling, may God continue bless and uphold us all, we go soon wash your cars, house, private jet, fulfilled life and all successes with water salute.
God bless you all.

AngelGabbyShara:

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AngelGabbyShara:

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

Sa

Nonsense

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.

salute

Interesting and quite educative. I would also have thought the same though.

My phone did not see the pishure of water salute

Thanks

How manage you work at aviation and not know this?

God bless you for the shared knowledge!

jjbest123:

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

Have you been to the airport before?

BATeria!

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?

Dem for spray the water for the useless Minister face...it would have made more sense and had better impact.

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

And where exactly did you read the narrator state that he was observing this at his work place? How did you miss the statement below 👇

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....

Omg! so you also missed the statement highlighted above in the op?

This ina type of intelligence get as him be oh

Something like this

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....

ministry of aviation is not airport.

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

probably the first time that aeroplane would land in Ekiti state 😂

Reading…

....and no pix of water salute

Hadi Sirka also had a water salute for the inauguration of a fake non existent airline... We can add that to the list

Thank you for this fantastic piece of information.. I'm taking it to the nearest UBA around me first thing tomorrow morning..🏃🏽‍♂️🏃🏽‍♂️🏃🏽‍♂️

Ekiti kete o...

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.

Abeg which course/subject for school dem they teach water salute?

Water salute is given to planes

Basically wasting water.