A flypast by two passenger jets at a rugby match in Cape Town has prompted a social media outcry that forced the airline to defend its actions.
Two Embraer aircraft from South African airline Airlinks flew at very low level about Cape Town stadium on Saturday.
The flypast was held just before the start of the second Test between South African and New Zealand (won 33-26 by the Springboks)
An aircraft in all black colours (an E195 type) was found to have cleared the stadium roof by 46 feet (14 metres) while the other E190 aircraft, in Springbok green, flew through a rooftop smoke display.
FLIGHT DATA: Flight tracking website Flight Radar 24 put the speed of the aircraft at 149 knots (275km/h) at a height of about 210 feet (64m) over a stadium that stands 164 feet (49m) tall, giving a clearance of about 46 feet (14m) between rooftop and aircraft.
FLYPAST CONCERNS NOTED
The height of the aircraft has divided comments on social media, with some praising it as others condemned it.
In an online statement attributed to Airlink, the airline says it “notes” the concerns expressed online.
“The flight demanded careful planning and rehearsal as it required navigating at low altitude at around 150 knots,” Airlink says.
“The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and Air Traffic Navigation Services provided valuable guidance, approval and support to ensure a safe flyby.”
The airline says both aircraft were flown by highly-experienced crews; each crew comprised of three senior captains 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 says.
The airline also operated a flypast at last weekend’s Test match in Johannesburg, won 33-16 by the All Blacks.
ABOUT THE AIRCRAFT
- The Embraer 190 has a wingspan of 28.7 metres (94.3 feet).
- It is 36.2m long and has an average cruise speed of 829kmh (447knots).
- The type is operated by Qantas domestically.
