As strong winds from Storm Eunice battered the United Kingdom, thousands flocked to a YouTube channel to watch pilots land aircraft at Heathrow airport. Now, equally stunning footage from inside a cockpit is going viral.
With people advised to stay home during the storm, over 2,00,000 tuned in to Big Jet TV on Friday to see the amazing skills of pilots manoeuvring through difficult weather. One moment that stood out was the landing of a Boeing 777 aircraft.
With bated breath, viewers watched the world’s largest twinjet aircraft trying to keep steady while making its way to the runway. Now, captain Khalifa Al-Thani, who was flying the Qatar plane, shared a view from inside.
Al Thani showed what he had to do to get the flight to land safely, juxtaposed with the view from the ground. “Storm Eunice Landing – Huge thanks to ‘Big Jet TV’ for the awesome coverage today and the exterior footage,” he wrote sharing the video on Instagram.
While both the views looked pretty intense, coupled with the noise of the strong wind, the pilot appeared visibly calm and his composure stunned all online.
Few things more satisfying than to watch a skilled craftsman at work! https://t.co/ZRDj5kjDdk
— Neil Garratt AM (@NeilGarratt) February 19, 2022
Having grown up with a Dad and two brothers as pilots and being endlessly tired of their flying chat… now have a new found appreciation! https://t.co/COBHHPcWFH
— Amy Voce (@amyvoce) February 19, 2022
He’s a strong man. So cool to watch. Must have nerves of steel. 💪🏾👌🏾 ✈️
— Mary Harris (@maryharristw) February 18, 2022
One handed 😱. Respect to all those pilots today, they were amazing 👏🏼🛬
— Debbie Try (@debbie_try) February 18, 2022
The guy who does @BigJetTVLIVE says they switch to manual landing in these conditions as quicker reactions from the pilot
— Tracey Williams (@traceycwilliams) February 18, 2022
I’ve never seen that before and it’s absolutely amazing. I never imagined all the movement, I expected the steering to be really steady and actually it’s all over the place 😃
— Becca M – ADHD ✊🏻🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️🇵🇸♥️ (@SparklyB) February 19, 2022
When I was a kid going back to Ireland every year, the entire passenger cabin would applaud after landing. This was while still on the runway right upon touchdown as the plane slowed. Always thought it was a beautiful gesture of appreciation for skillfully getting us there safe
— Kate (@ChinaKatWrites) February 19, 2022
One of those time when you’re reminded that you’re bringing a small office building in for a touchdown 🙂 Good work!
— Mark Eichin (@eichin) February 18, 2022
Incredible 👌👌 brilliant to get that meshed with the @BigJetTVLIVE footage and see it from a different perspective!
— Jammy Dodger (@updownmain) February 18, 2022
Just seeing how much work the pilot does is insane ! Absolute cracking job getting that lady down in them conditions
— Adam Baker (@Adam_baker1490) February 18, 2022
Fabulous juxtaposition in case any of us thought this was just autopilot and what’s the fuss about.
— Mark Harvey (@markharvey54) February 18, 2022
Amazing job, looks far from easy!!. Amazing job to all the pilots out there today. Really put your skills to the test. So glad you are all safe.
— Denise Shotter (@deegill23) February 18, 2022
There sheer amount of movement on the yoke is astounding. https://t.co/PU9kYNX8yg
— Ali C (@Ali_Crockford) February 19, 2022
Had a few alarming wind-wobbles in the car driving home today, necessitating a tight grip on the steering wheel. Now imagine doing all this flying a plane full of people at 155 mph. Kudos to that pilot. https://t.co/yg6aFSKcle
— (((Dr Aust))) #FBPE 🇬🇧🇪🇺🇮🇪🇩🇪💙 (@Dr_Aust_PhD) February 18, 2022
Storm Eunice, which brought with it winds gusting over 100mph, caused a trail of destruction across the United Kingdom. With trees uprooted and houses destroyed, experts believe this could be the worst Britain has seen in three decades. The toll from the storm touched 9 on Saturday.
The white-domed roof of the O2 arena is seen damaged by the wind, as a red weather warning was issued due to Storm Eunice, in London. (Source: Reuters)
A red weather warning was issued for the first time in London, where the fierce storm was seen ripping off a part of the iconic O2 Arena roof, leaving the sheet that covers the venue blowing in the wind.
While most flights were cancelled, there were still quite a few that attempted to make a safe landing amid the storm.