"Thank You": American Pilot's Take on Airlink's Springboks Flyover Delights South Africa

• An American pilot responded to a viewer's question about the Airlink flyover at a Springboks rugby match, and his answer was unambiguous
• The pilot, known as Pilot Pete, defended the Airlink crew's skill and said he would do the same flyover without hesitation
• South Africans flooded the comments to thank him, with many noting that another flyover was planned for FNB Stadium in Johannesburg

An American pilot went viral after defending Airlink's low-altitude flyover at a Springboks rugby match, shutting down online critics in the most satisfying way possible.

Pilot Pete, who posts as @pilotpete.fly on Threads, shared the video on 1 September 2026 from his hotel room, responding to a viewer who asked whether he would be brave enough to attempt a stadium flyover like the Airlink crew had done. His answer left no room for doubt.

"Absolutely 100% I would do this in a heartbeat; I had zero problem with it. I don't think it was unsafe at all."

Read also

"They asked nicely": Motorist embraces local Spring Day water splash tradition, SA responds

The Airlink crew had flown low over a rugby stadium during the Springboks versus New Zealand match, and the clip had already spread widely online before Pete weighed in. He described the moment as "absolutely epic. 10 out of 10, no notes."

What clearly frustrated Pilotpete.fly was the wave of criticism that followed. He dismissed online commentators who claimed the pilots acted recklessly, calling them "muggles that have no idea what they're talking about." He argued the flyover demonstrated exactly what experienced pilots and well-engineered aircraft are capable of, and said he wished American aviation culture allowed for more of that kind of flying. He said:

"I wish they would give me the keys to these big aeroplanes to let you fly them to the freaking Brooklyn Bridge and do some fun flying instead of just A to B and autopilot on and chill."

Watch the video by clicking here.

South Africa appreciates American pilot

The video landed warmly with South African viewers, many of whom said it felt good to hear a professional pilot speak up in defence of the Airlink crew.

@websterkruger wrote:

"What a refreshing view on the flyover. Someone who actually acknowledges the skill of the pilots. Thank you! Now can the world chill as there will be a flyover again this weekend."

Read also

Gayton McKenzie teases Airlink plans after Springbok Game flyover thrills SA

@joannetoua19618 said:

"Muggles 😆😆✨✈️🤩 Love it, lovely to listen to positive comments, thank you. Remember to watch on Saturday when they do it all over again at FNB Stadium, Johannesburg 💪✈️"

@mskmmekwa added:

"Love you! We do it again this Saturday over a different stadium. 😂 It's tradition."

@annette517806 shared:

"Thank you for your supportive comment!! That means such a lot to us in South Africa 🇿🇦 ❤️"

@cathy43378 wrote:

"Thank you from someone who knows better. They know what they were doing, and if there were any weather or whatever untold problems, they would have cancelled. I love ❤️ it."

@censuskabang noted:

"Thank you, it was epic, and South Africa hasn't had an air disaster since 1987."

Other Briefly News stories about Airlink

• Airlink made the unexpected decision to withdraw its fly-past application ahead of the highly anticipated Springboks-All Blacks Test at FNB Stadium on 5 September.
• Airlink's flyover event at the DHL Stadium ahead of the Springboks vs All Blacks test sparked a lively debate on social media, especially in light of President Donald Trump's claim.
• ANC Youth League's controversial poster, featuring jets in ANC colours flying over a stadium in celebration of its 82nd anniversary, received backlash.

Source: Briefly News