Retired F-16 pilot turned United captain surprises passengers with unexpected pre-flight speech
Published on Dec 07, 2025 at 6:27 AM (UTC+4)
by Daisy Edwards
Last updated on Dec 04, 2025 at 9:47 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
An attentive retired F-16 pilot turned United Airlines captain surprised passengers with an unexpected appearance while they were waiting to board, and the moment quickly took over social media.
The captain stepped out of the cockpit before takeoff and delivered what passengers called a pre-pre-flight speech.
A passenger who filmed the moment said it was the first time in her many years of flying that a pilot had spoken to passengers face-to-face in such a way.
Some viewers online found the speech a little awkward, but those on board said they genuinely appreciated the United captain taking the time to speak to them.
EXPLORE SBX CARS – Supercar auctions starting soon powered by Supercar Blondie
Retired F-16 pilot gives passengers an unusually personal intro
A video of a retired F-16 pilot who became a United Airlines airplane captain has gone viral online because he decided to step out of the cockpit and address his passengers directly.
The Captain started by introducing his background directly to the passengers who were waiting to board.
“I’m a retired Air Force F-16 Top Gun fighter pilot,” he said, standing in the waiting area by the gate as passengers looked up in surprise.
He then hyped up his first officer, introducing him as ‘a super duper pilot,’ which drew a few chuckles from the cabin.
The clip showed the pilot speaking calmly and confidently, delivering a full rundown of the flight ahead, including when there might be turbulence.
Passengers appeared to appreciate the transparency, with the woman filming saying she had never experienced a pilot briefing like this before.
For many, the speech felt more like a personal welcome than a standard aviation announcement.
Commenters call it cringe, but passengers loved it
When the video hit Instagram, commenters were divided.
Some called the moment a bit awkward and slightly cringe, joking that it felt unnecessary before takeoff.
Others said the pilot’s energy was wholesome and refreshing, especially compared to the usual rushed overhead announcements, and for the passengers who were getting on the plane itself, the mood was far more positive.
The captain did not stop after the speech; he stayed in the waiting area, shaking hands with passengers, thanking them individually before heading back to the cockpit.
Many travelers said the gesture made the long flight feel more human, and whether awkward or endearing, the moment proved one thing: this captain knows how to make an impression.
DISCOVER SBX CARS: The global premium car auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie
Daisy Edwards is a Content Writer at supercarblondie.com. Daisy has more than five years’ experience as a qualified journalist, having graduated with a History and Journalism degree from Goldsmiths, University of London and a dissertation in vintage electric vehicles. Daisy specializes in writing about cars, EVs, tech and luxury lifestyle. When she's not writing, she's at a country music concert or working on one of her many unfinished craft projects.
