TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Spraying off planes?

I was just watching the Maho Beach Cam and 2 big trucks just sprayed off a jet before it took off? It was like getting deiced up north in the winter? Just wondering why?

Only a guess but possibly due to salt/sand spray and the weight that might have added.

Was it directly washing the plane or was is it an arch style? Typically airports provide a water salute to a new aircraft type, new route, or new company. Could have also been done for the pilot if this was their last flight in command.

There were 2 big trucks. One on each side of the plane spraying up in an arch. It was neat to watch. I think it was about a 4:30 or so flight. Very interesting!

Sounds like some kind of special "salute".

We had that happen to us once - it was jet Blues' inaugural flight Boston to Bermuda. Pretty cool! The Minister of Transportation and other officials were waiting to greet us! Most of the passengers obliviously walked by, but Dick and I went down the line shaking hands lol! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Looking at departures this afternoon, there were just the usual ones, so I would assume it was for the Pilot. Most likely their final flight in command.

Thanks for posting some ideas.

Could it possibly be some sort of Zika control prevention?

Ummm...probably not

It was the Flight from Amsterdam to SXM and it was departing to Curacao. It was the big 787, maybe that was the reason.

it may have been the maiden flight of the new air france schedule?????? sounds about the right time frame!!

It looked like a part smile face on the tail. I didn't recognize what kind of jet it was, but it was huge.

A partial smile on the tail would be TUI, I think.

Correct.

TUI Group

The TUI jets are always fun to watch. The seem to come in a bit hotter and lower than some of the others. I think their pilots like to put on a show.

Yes! That is exactly what the jet was!

Just saw this:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/planes-returning-from-zika-areas-to-be-sprayed-with-insecticide

That talks about spraying INSIDE an aircraft.

We saw the salute one time at the SXM airport, it was the KLM 747. When we asked, they said that it was a salute to the pilot who was retiring after his return flight.

I would probably safely assume that the 500+ mph air speed, minus 50f outside temp, and lack of decent air would kill off any outside insect riders

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> Thats what I get for speed reading! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

Australia has been spraying the inside of aircraft with insecticide since the 60's, sometimes before the passengers board, and sometimes before they're allowed to deplane in Oz.

Back on topic, I was on the first-ever Delta flight from ATL to SXM, and the aircraft was welcomed with the traditional water cannon salute from the fire engines.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_salute

Many years ago (late 80's/early 90's ?) I remember the inside of the aircraft being sprayed with insecticide with passengers on board and doors closed. The flights we took at that time were SXM/Antigua/JFK so I don't remember if it was when leaving SXM or Antigua. Either way - not a very healthy thing for humans I'd think.

Might it have been a tribute to these students ???

https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/59183-st-maarten-students-arrive-safe-and-sound

Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner. I have never heard of doing it for passengers, but in this case, I would say it is the right answer.

Mystery Solved! Thank you. I was so curious when I was watching on the Maho beach cam.