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Awater salute is an occasional occurrence used for a ceremonial purpose. It typically consists of avehicle which travels underplumes ofwater expelled by one or more fire-fighting vehicles, as a mark of respect or appreciation.
At anairport, typically an even number ofairport crash tender fire-fighting vehicles will arrange themselves perpendicularly along the sides of ataxiway orapron; they will emit coordinated plumes of water which form an arch (or series of arches) as an aircraft passes. Symbolically, the procession looks similar to a bridal party walking under a wedding arch or thesaber arch at a military wedding.
Water salutes have been used to mark the retirement of a seniorpilot orair traffic controller, the first or last flight of anairline to an airport, the first or last flight of a specific type of aircraft, as a token of respect for the remains of soldiers killed in action,[1] or other notable events. WhenConcorde flew its last flight in 2003 fromJohn F. Kennedy International Airport, red, white and blue coloured plumes were used.[2]
Water salutes are also used for ships and other watercraft, with water being delivered byfireboats. This is often done for the first or last visit or retirement of a senior captain, the first or last cruise of a ship, the visit of awarship, or other ceremonial occasions. An example was the water salute toHMS Hermes (R12) as she returned toSouthampton following her part in the victory of theFalklands War.
In most cases, airports uses water salutes for de-icing purposes, which is to remove excess ice from the plane's fuselage.
Media related toWater cannon salutes in aviation at Wikimedia Commons
