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-   -   Icelandair Low-Level Pass (https://www.pprune.org/rumours-news/671431-icelandair-low-level-pass.html)

ORAC 12th April 2026 04:16

Icelandair Low-Level Pass
 
Video

ICELANDAIR REPORTS OWN PILOT TO POLICE OVER LOW FLYOVER INCIDENT.

Icelandair has taken a serious stance after one of its pilots allegedly flew a Boeing 757 (TF-ISR) below permitted altitude, nearly 100 m/328 ft over Vestmannaeyjar, during his final flight before retirement.

The captain, a native of the area, was saying goodbye after 40 years of service and reportedly carried out the low-level pass while operating a Frankfurt-Keflavík service. According to the airline's Chief Flight Officer, the maneuver was conducted without management knowledge or approval and only came to light after the incident.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....aca269d414.png
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ATC Watcher 12th April 2026 05:50

Well, if the asked to make a low approach over the runway ( a1200m runway) and overflew it at 300ft the rulebook is not breached, That kind of thing was done for years since aviation began , just it was done before smartphones recording everything and self proclaimed ayatollahs on social media issuing fatwahs, . So the airline will most probably officially discipline him , maybe even withdraw his license , to please the ayatollahs but since it was his last flight before retirement the actual consequences for him will be nil . . And knowing Iceland a bit where everybody know each other , even more so in the aviation circles, I guess many will privately tap him on the shoulders and say well done ! I would . But we are the last of an era .
Anyway drones won't do that ...

JEM60 12th April 2026 06:20

Years ago, at an Airshow at R.A.F. Halton,I noticed a very low airliner approaching some distance away. It was a DC10 coming from the U.S. [cannot remember the airline] making a very low pass, last flight for the Captain before retirement, obviously authorised, then recommenced his and the passengers flight to Gatwick!. All seemed perfectly safe, and was much appreciated!.

wiggy 12th April 2026 06:52


Originally Posted by ATC Watcher (Post 12068622)
Well, if the asked to make a low approach over the runway ( a1200m runway) and overflew it at 300ft the rulebook is not breached, That kind of thing was done for years since aviation began , just it was done before smartphones recording everything and self proclaimed ayatollahs on social media issuing fatwahs, ....

True, but in these days of auditing every sector by way of the Flight Data recorder and other devices done post every flight it’s a given you’ll get your collar felt for an antic like that PDQ without anyone capturing anything on a smartphone or social media….I can’t begin to imagine how many bells that flypast rang..

Whilst I agree no harm none, looks like a jolly jape for someone on their last flight and the fun has gone out of flying you have to hope the occupant of the RHS doesn’t suffer any consequences….


Less Hair 12th April 2026 08:41

Expect today everything is filmed and shared. Even a low airliner runway overflight with intentional gear up can cause troubles and be it the brand department.

PENKO 12th April 2026 08:48


Originally Posted by ATC Watcher (Post 12068622)
Well, if the asked to make a low approach over the runway ( a1200m runway) and overflew it at 300ft the rulebook is not breached, .

There is more than just one ‘rule book’ in airline operations...

stilton 12th April 2026 09:56

Going out on a high note on my retirement flight meant giving my fellow crewmembers and passengers the most boring trip possible, as an airline pilot that’s what they pay you for

Gargleblaster 12th April 2026 10:34

Seems pretty low to me, height seems to be equal to the length of the aircraft: Also, this is not a lowpass over the runway, which is btw impossible, as it has a "dead end", that is a mountain.

https://c.arvakur.is/m2/dEbjJFv2Az6S...42/1644240.jpg

Video here: Myndskeið: Icelandair í lágflugi yfir Vestmannaeyjum

CruiseMonkey 12th April 2026 10:50

I hope this does not have a negative impact on the FO’s career

cessnapete 12th April 2026 10:57


Nah, this is a proper low pass!
White Waltham 1977. Training Capt. had a mild after chat with his Office.

Sobelena 12th April 2026 11:03

Really, what a fuss about nothing!

JustPrivatePilot 12th April 2026 11:19

Regarding the post by Gargleblaster

That 'mountain' being 200m (about 600ft) 'high'...

albatross 12th April 2026 12:34

“. I was using my Captain’s Authority and checking the runway for unauthorized vehicles, polar bears, musk oxen and reindeer. Safety is my first concern! You are, I presume, aware that we fly low in close proximity to runways on every take off and landing. Should you have any further questions please contact my union rep. “

pax britanica 12th April 2026 12:37

Cessna Pete. Way to go !! . I was there-how great to see the video-also saw a Trident do something similar at North Weald a few years earlier

PENKO 12th April 2026 13:27


Originally Posted by wiggy (Post 12068641)
Whilst I agree no harm none, looks like a jolly jape for someone on their last flight and the fun has gone out of flying you have to hope the occupant of the RHS doesn’t suffer any consequences….


If you worry about the future of the FO, then what do you think the FO’s mindset was at the time of this huge excursion from normal operations? Would he be part of a happy well coordinated crew?

FullWings 12th April 2026 13:48

I think why this kind of thing is frowned upon, i.e. an unplanned and unsanctioned manoeuvre outside SOPs, is to avoid another Habsheim type of accident. Much as I would love to beat the runway up at LHR, I’m employed to not do this stuff. Public transport flights are one thing, airshows are another - if you want to see big jets being thrown around the sky, go to one of the trade shows like Farnborough/Paris; many would be surprised how much planning/training goes into what looks like horsing around.

Sobelena 12th April 2026 14:04


Originally Posted by FullWings (Post 12068844)
I think why this kind of thing is frowned upon, i.e. an unplanned and unsanctioned manoeuvre outside SOPs, is to avoid another Habsheim type of accident. Much as I would love to beat the runway up at LHR, I’m employed to not do this stuff. Public transport flights are one thing, airshows are another - if you want to see big jets being thrown around the sky, go to one of the trade shows like Farnborough/Paris; many would be surprised how much planning/training goes into what looks like horsing around.

The Icelandair was hardly being "thrown around". It was a benign low level fly past without any excessive maneuvering.

Intrance 12th April 2026 14:09

Not many professional pilots left here if so many are willing to approve of this... :rolleyes:

PENKO 12th April 2026 14:18

I think some are just playing devil’s advocate on a lazy Sunday. No one in their right mind would pull this off in this day and age.

Or maybe they are of this A310 pilot vintage, watch that wing span!

FullWings 12th April 2026 14:20


Originally Posted by Sobelena (Post 12068850)
The Icelandair was hardly being "thrown around". It was a benign low level fly past without any excessive maneuvering.

So was Habsheim to begin with but three people died and the aircraft was destroyed. Airlines are very protective of their brands and amongst other things, try project images of safety and reliability so get unsurprisingly cheesed off when they are made to look a bit cowboy.

You do see PR shots of airliners in formation, doing flypasts, etc. but they are meticulously planned and generally flown by test/ex-mil pilots who know what they are doing and are authorised to do it.


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