South African regional carrier Airlink is gathering attention for a super-low flypast of a stadium in Cape Town on Sunday. Two aircraft, an E190 and E195, cleared the roof of the building by what appears from multiple viral videos as a few dozen feet as they helped kick off a long anticipated rugby match between a South African team and the famous New Zealand All Blacks. The aircraft were in loose formation as they performed the low pass and it appears one of them flew through fireworks that were set off from the roof. According to the airline, it was all planned, coordinated, and flown within the specs approved by South Africa’s Civil Aviation Authority and Air Traffic Navigation Services. Here’s the airline’s full statement.
“The two aircraft were flown by a highly experienced crew, with each comprised of three senior captains operating in the roles of commander, co-pilot and safety/technical officer. The flight data recorded by both aircraft confirms that the flights were performed within the SACAA’s approved and rehearsed safety altitude and speed limits for the flypast.”
AirLink teased the flypast in social media posts earlier in the day, urging the 55,000 people in the seats to “get your cameras ready” as the two jets cleared the roof by less than 50 feet. We’ve selected three views of the stunt.
As both an old rugby player and old pilot…. YEAH!!!
If planned, nice. Looks like every landing in San Diego.
Except the approaches for runway 27 at San Diego are TERPS’d, have visual and electronic guidance, and aren’t flown, in formation, by transport category airplanes over a gathering of 55,000 people.
If S. Africa is happy, I’m happy.
Another larger view: facebook.com/reel/1052988461035644
What … that Country doesn’t have an Air Force to do a demo ?? 🙂
I see some poofy smoke. I do not see any “fireworks”
Less than 50’ was as rehearsed? Let’s hope not, the accident reports are full of examples.
Most of the negative comments are apparently from persons not familiar with aircraft operations.
Professional pilots who do normal operations or demo flights are extremely careful to plan and execute within parameters agreed with the regulatory body;
It has been stated that such was the case here.
One of the provided videos had a jerky quality; appeared to be AI.
The first video appeared real; showed clearance more than “Fifty feet”.
Those that can; do;
Those that have no concept; comment!
What think you about lead breaking into his/her wingman? That was the thing I noticed most of the pass.
As Pete Hegseth would say, the louder the better.
All fun, just be aware: you can only tie the low-flying record.