Passengers left terrified as retiring Airbus A380 pilot pulls off controversial stunt on final takeoff

A Lufthansa pilot pulled off a super controversial stunt on his final takeoff at the helm of an Airbus A380.

It was fascinating to watch, but it must’ve been a little uncomfortable for the passengers.

Maybe even a little scary.

But, for a very good reason, there was nothing to worry about.

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Here’s why the Airbus pilot did something controversial, but not dangerous

In 2024, Lufthansa pilot Christian Pokorski performed something called ‘wing wave’ upon takeoff.

A wing wave is basically what the name implies: it’s waving, but with the wings rather than your hand.

When the video went viral on TikTok, some people joked this was meant to be the captain’s last flight, not that of all the passengers.

Others were surprised that the maneuver had taken place.

But there was nothing to worry about.

For three reasons.

First, with 33 years of experience, Pokorski certainly knew what he was doing.

Second, flight attendants almost certainly notified passengers.

Third, and perhaps more to the point, the maneuver also likely received approval from both his airline and the airport.

Aviation is one of the most strictly regulated industries in the world.

Generally speaking, regulators have a very rigid zero-risk approach to everything, and nothing happens without the relevant authorities’ say-so.

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The plane was also treated to a water cannon salute

TikToker Airline Spotter captured the video of LH453 flight leaving LAX to Munich, and commenters didn’t fail to notice that the aircraft was also given the water cannon salute.

The water cannon salute is traditionally done for retiring pilots or for aircraft bowing out of service, but it also occasionally happens when a new route – or a new aircraft – is launched.

The Airbus A380 looked pretty spectacular under water spray, and we’re sure this was also announced by the crew.

The internet being the internet, water cannon salute videos often generate comments that raise a good point.

Because it’s certainly ironic that the only industry with a draconian 100ml liquid limits is the same one that celebrates by dumping 3,000 gallons of water over a moving plane.