United Airlines recently made headlines when its Boeing 777-300ER became the world’s most tracked aircraft during San Francisco Fleet Week. This milestone occurred on a memorable Friday, drawing attention from aviation enthusiasts and spectators alike.
The four-year-old aircraft, registered as N2352U, achieved this remarkable feat as it participated in a ceremonial flyover at the iconic festival. During the event, more than 2,600 people simultaneously monitored its flight on Flightradar24, showcasing its sudden rise to celebrity status among planes.
Typically used for long-haul flights, the 777-300ER outperformed every other flight over the weekend. United Airlines had delivered this aircraft in March 2020, making its debut just before the pandemic began. Previously, the airline featured the Boeing 747 for years at this event, but now, the 777-300ER takes center stage as the largest jet in the fleet.
San Francisco Fleet Week, which has occurred annually since 1981, celebrates the contributions of the US Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard. The event features exciting aerial performances, naval ship tours, and various community activities. This year’s celebration, held from October 7 to 14, highlighted spectacular airshows featuring the Blue Angels and the US Navy Leap Frogs Parachute Team.
Pilots, including Captain Ty Loutzenheiser, take to the skies solely for these flight test events, without any passengers onboard. They depart from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and perform impressive loops over the Pacific Ocean. Their first pass reaches speeds of approximately 330 miles per hour while descending to about 300 feet.
Once they complete their first pass, the pilots circulate until their next performance, often happening in the early afternoon. After an exhilarating flight lasting over four hours, they return to SFO, showcasing their flying prowess.
The weather adds an extra layer of excitement to Fleet Week. While the airshows captivate audiences with thrilling military jets and precision flying, San Francisco’s notorious fog can challenge pilots. On clear days, aircraft can soar at speeds of up to 300 knots. However, if fog limits visibility, pilots switch to a “low show,” performing a series of shorter maneuvers at lower altitudes.
Despite these challenges, safety remains paramount. Aircraft must maintain a minimum altitude of 300 feet above the ground, ideally flying at 350 feet. Thus, pilots continue to demonstrate their remarkable skills, even under less-than-ideal conditions.
United Airlines’ Boeing 777-300ER not only achieved recognition as the most tracked aircraft but also showcased its capabilities during a thrilling weekend of festivities.
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