Retiring Pilot - no more water salute
Jul 11, 2007, 3:52 pm
#1
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Retiring Pilot - no more water salute
Just got off of UA 941, the FRA-ORD flight. Not only did I manage resisting posting a question about which is the best lounge in FRA, but I encountered a captain who was on his last flight today.
Was looking forward to the water salute. When it didn't happen, one of the FAs reminded me what happened at Dulles and how UA doesn't do them anymore (but other airlines still do).
Was looking forward to the water salute. When it didn't happen, one of the FAs reminded me what happened at Dulles and how UA doesn't do them anymore (but other airlines still do).
Jul 11, 2007, 3:54 pm
#2
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Jul 11, 2007, 4:10 pm
#3
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I believe that it isn't UA that doesn't do it, rather it is UA that doesn't pay the fire dept for it. That isn't to say (and this is just what I "heard", no direct knowledge) that the friends of the pilot who are with him on the last flight can't pay themselves for it. No clue what the cost is, but I don't believe it is done by the fire depts out of the goodness of their hearts or respect for retiring pilots in general. ($$$)
Jul 11, 2007, 4:16 pm
#4
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Here's the thread about the Dulles incident in case anyone's wondering:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=636222
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=636222
Jul 11, 2007, 4:35 pm
#5
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Here's the thread about the Dulles incident in case anyone's wondering:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=636222
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=636222
Jul 11, 2007, 5:32 pm
#6
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As far as I know, this is an option and pilots do pay for it themselves.
But, on the bright side, they get to choose their destination and get to bring whoever they want on positive space, and it doesn't have to be a round trip.
But, on the bright side, they get to choose their destination and get to bring whoever they want on positive space, and it doesn't have to be a round trip.
Jul 11, 2007, 5:54 pm
#7
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Not true unless things have changed. I flew on a pass (on my seniority as I was too old to fly on dad's) when Fastair Sr. retired, although I think Mrs Fastair Sr. might have gone positive space. Maybe it is limited to your eligibles?
Jul 11, 2007, 6:09 pm
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Jul 11, 2007, 6:52 pm
#9
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I thought water cannon salutes are only for things like retiring last plane of its kind, first flight to Beijing, and such ...
Jul 11, 2007, 7:35 pm
#10
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AFAIK eligibles go PS for the final flight.
Jul 11, 2007, 7:44 pm
#11
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I have been on a few flights where we got sprayed since it was the captain's last dance.
Jul 11, 2007, 8:08 pm
#12
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QR is apparently brave enough to get a water salute at IAD:
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/070711/nyw096.html?.v=101
"Qatar Airways' historic maiden flight to Washington, D. C. will touch down at Dulles International Airport next week to a "fireman's salute" water arch ceremony and a fanfare of music and entertainment."
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/070711/nyw096.html?.v=101
"Qatar Airways' historic maiden flight to Washington, D. C. will touch down at Dulles International Airport next week to a "fireman's salute" water arch ceremony and a fanfare of music and entertainment."
Jul 11, 2007, 8:27 pm
#13
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Just got off of UA 941, the FRA-ORD flight. Not only did I manage resisting posting a question about which is the best lounge in FRA, but I encountered a captain who was on his last flight today.
Was looking forward to the water salute. When it didn't happen, one of the FAs reminded me what happened at Dulles and how UA doesn't do them anymore (but other airlines still do).
Was looking forward to the water salute. When it didn't happen, one of the FAs reminded me what happened at Dulles and how UA doesn't do them anymore (but other airlines still do).
Very odd to have 2 retirement flights on the same day out of FRA!!!
Jul 11, 2007, 8:50 pm
#14
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What kind of salute or tribute does a FA get when retiring?
Jul 11, 2007, 9:25 pm
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