Airlink says its formation flyby over Cape Town’s DHL Stadium was conducted within safety parameters approved by the aviation authorities, after concerns were raised online about how low the aircraft appeared to fly.
Image: Facebook/Airlink
Airlink has responded to concerns raised on social media and online forums about the low altitude of two aircraft during a formation flyby over Cape Town’s DHL Stadium on Saturday.
The flyby was staged as part of the build-up to the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Series between the Springboks and New Zealand’s All Blacks.
Airlink said the flight required careful planning and rehearsal because it involved flying at low altitude at around 150 knots.
The airline said the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and Air Traffic Navigation Services provided guidance, approval and support to ensure the flyby was conducted safely.
The two aircraft were operated by highly experienced crews, with each aircraft carrying three senior captains serving as commander, co-pilot and safety/technical officer.
Airlink said flight data recorded by both aircraft confirmed that the flyby was conducted within the safety altitude and speed limits approved and rehearsed by the SACAA.
However, FlightRadar24's analysis of the aircraft's ADS-B altitude data indicated that the planes passed less than 50 feet above the top of the stadium.
The lowest recorded ADS-B altitude was 50 feet above mean sea level at standard pressure. After correction for local atmospheric pressure, FlightRadar24 estimated the aircraft's altitude at 205 to 210 feet above mean sea level, according to FlightRadar24.
With the DHL Stadium near sea level and its structure reaching about 164 feet, FlightRadar24 calculated the aircraft's clearance over the stadium at between 41 and 46 feet.
The flyby featured two Airlink Embraer aircraft, the green ZS-YAE E190 and black ZS-YDE E195, which were liveried in the colours of the competing teams and carried the official Tour logo.
IOL
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