The Water Salute

[Wing Nut]

I would love to see this happen in person.  For the uninitiated, a water salute is a form of tribute given under circunstances I am not entirely clear about.  I know that it is often given to retiring pilots or when a plane such as the Concorde retires, but I know little else. I love the connie best!

P.S.  These are all from Airliners.net

[Craig.]

its kinda difficult to specify when the salute is given, like you put its usually retiring captains, and first and last flights for a plane. Companys like to arrange it for the first flight of a new aircraft to the company aswell.some nice pictures there

[Omag 2.0]

Here are some more:

Last flight of Sabena arriving at Brussels National Airport!

A sad day in Belgian aviation, very emotional.

There was a series on TV about it, like Airline on the BBC.

[Fly2e]

Hey, isn't that Kimber in that window!!! LOL!!!!!!

Dave  8)

[Sam 400]

Didn't know they did that, Nice to see those pics though! Thanks for the lesson in aviation respect paying. Sam

[Jared]

[FLYING_TRUCKER]

Here the Water Salute is usually done when an Aircraft Captain has made his last flight with that unit.

He may still continue on working but usually at a desk.

There have been occasions when people have come back to operations several years later or as Reservists or Part Time Pilots.

Cheers....Happy Landings....Doug

[Scottler]

Hey, isn't that Kimber in that window!!! LOL!!!!!!

Dammit...Dave beat me to the punchline.  

Here's what it was GOING to be:


"This tribute is also given to ex-model wives who retire from their jobs at a department store."

Meanie.