Video shows Boeing 777 making very low pass over Texas airfield

Low Pass Investigation

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the low pass of a Boeing 777 plane over a Texas airfield. According to data from FlightRadar24, the plane was no more than 25 feet above the ground during the maneuver. The pilots had alerted air traffic control to the low pass, but the incident has raised concerns about pilot behavior and safety protocols.

The plane, owned by Jetran, was undergoing a pre-delivery test flight prior to its planned entry into the Qatar Airways Cargo fleet. However, Qatar Airways has distanced itself from the incident, stating that the plane was not owned or operated by them and that the pilots on board were not their employees.

Pilot Credentials at Risk

Former National Transportation Safety Board Chair Robert Sumwalt has criticized the pilots' actions, calling it "another example of stupid pilot tricks." Sumwalt believes that the pilots could face having their credentials suspended over the move, stating that he sees no legitimate reason for the maneuver to have been performed in the way that it was.

Safety Protocols and Regulations

The incident highlights the importance of safety protocols and regulations in the aviation industry. The FAA investigation will determine whether the pilots followed proper procedures and whether the low pass was necessary for the pre-delivery test flight. The outcome of the investigation will have implications for the pilots involved and the aviation industry as a whole.

Regulatory Implications

The FAA investigation will also examine whether the low pass was in compliance with regulatory requirements. The incident may lead to a review of safety protocols and regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future. The aviation industry will be watching the outcome of the investigation closely, as it may have implications for pilot training and safety procedures.