“Our Pilots Are the Best”: SA Praises FlySafair Pilot After a Terrifying Storm Turbulence
- A harrowing video captured a FlySafair flight from Durban to Johannesburg experiencing severe turbulence, showing the plane dipping and passengers screaming in fear
- The frightening TikTok video went viral, attracting massive views and sparking a widespread discussion about the safety and skill of South African pilots
- Social media users were relieved that the plane landed safely, praising the pilot's professionalism during the mid-December Gauteng storm
- Briefly News spoke with Nosiphiwo Diniso, a former SAA flight attendant, about the terrifying FlySafair turbulence video and the professionalism of pilots
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Source: TikTok
A dramatic video documenting a terrifying flight through a severe storm captivated social media users, highlighting the intense stress of air travel turbulence.
The clip, shared on TikTok by @mahmood_mahomed, showed a journey that was anything but smooth, garnering many views and comments from viewers, most of whom were stunned by the passengers’ screams.
The video captures the FlySafair flight FA399, travelling from Durban to Johannesburg in the middle of the night. The cabin lights were dimmed, but the atmosphere was anything but restful. The aircraft hit severe Gauteng storm turbulence. The plane was seen dipping violently, forcing out a loud, collective scream from the clearly shaken passengers.
FlySafair flight encounters severe turbulence
Some individuals were filmed gripping the chairs in front of them tightly as the sound of fear continued through the cabin. The camera briefly peeked outside the window, showing heavy, dark clouds whipping past while the aircraft moved erratically. Despite the terrifying condition, the aircraft eventually landed safely. The creator, TikTok user @mahmood_mahomed, captioned his post with a heartfelt message, thanking the pilots for ensuring a safe landing.
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Source: TikTok
A flight attendant’s view on turbulence
We at Briefly News spoke with Nosiphiwo Diniso to get an insider’s perspective on severe weather flights and the training that allows South African pilots to safely navigate terrifying storms.
We asked her initial reaction to hearing screaming passengers and the plane shaking so violently in that terrifying video. She responded:
“It gave me flashbacks! Severe turbulence is the most frightening thing for passengers and even the crew. I’m sure those pilots were working hard to keep control. It shows how quickly a sudden storm in Gauteng can turn a routine flight into a nightmare.”
The team asked if pilots give warnings before entering severe turbulence. She shared:
“Yes, pilots give warnings if they see weather on the radar. In fact, they sometimes give it prior it take-off as they do get detailed weather information along their planned route. Just before the turbulence, our pilots at SAA would switch on the seatbelt signs as a sign that passengers have to buckle up and come on the PA if it's severe turbulence to instruct the cabin crew to store equipment and also strap themselves. They would also share how long the turbulence should take.”
When asked what one simple thing she would advise passengers to do to stay safe and calm during severe, unexpected turbulence. Nosiphiwo said:
“Keep your seatbelt buckled at all times. Even if the lights are off, keep it buckled loosely. It prevents you from being thrown up and down if the plane hits a sudden air pocket.”
SA praises the South African pilots
The video went viral, attracting massive views and over 1K comments from social media users who were immensely relieved that the passengers had landed safely. Many viewers noted how shocking it was to see people crying and screaming, guessing that the pilots must have given a prior warning about the expected turbulence. The public response turned into a massive tribute to South African airmanship.
Some users asserted that South African pilots are globally well-trained and confident in their abilities, proclaiming them to be among the best in the world. Others who had experienced similar turbulent flights shared their own stories, admitting they still have flashbacks of past difficult journeys.
User @Nina Williamson asked:
"Were these passengers not informed that they would encounter turbulence? Or have things changed since the last time I flew?
User @Malcolm commented:
"I will be more irritated by the screaming than the turbulence. The pilots are well-trained; they know what they're doing."
User @Dinangwe Omuhle shared:
"'I was once in a flight from OR Tambo to Durban that day it decided to rain, and there was lightning yhoo I still have flashbacks until today everything went white like the light was so blinding I just thought we're entering heaven now😅."
User @Mayzuzu commented:
"My belief is always that we’re on the same plane as the pilots; they won’t go down without trying. Also, the screams are kind of dramatic."
User @TheRealKingKizito said:
"In South Africa, there's been no plane crashes since the early 90s. Our pilots are the best in the world."
User @kurtoz5 🇿🇦 teased:
"Guys, come on, they are built for this. It's just like being on a rollercoaster, have fun and enjoy🤣."
Watch the TikTok video below:
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Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
