Pilot's Unusual Window Cleaning Method Sparks Online Debate: Is Soda the Secret?

An unusual scene at an airport tarmac has captured widespread attention online, showing a pilot in uniform cleaning the cockpit windshield of a blue aircraft with what appears to be a can of soda. The video, shared by user @mamasdeaniebabie, quickly went viral, prompting thousands of comments from curious viewers and aviation enthusiasts alike. The footage depicts the pilot, leaning out of the open cockpit window, meticulously wiping down the exterior glass with a white cloth after pouring liquid from a green and white can onto the surface. The video's caption, "ummm can someone explain to me why this pilot just cleaned the windows with sprite?!?", reflects the general confusion and intrigue surrounding the act. Online discussions offered various theories and explanations. One commenter, identifying as an aircraft mechanic, suggested, "As an aircraft mechanic, I’m gonna assume he has a bird strike on the window. Tonic water/club soda helps to remove the bird residue. However, it is extremely unusual to see the pilot do this instead of the mechanics. That’s usually our job." Another detailed response, attributed to a "chat gpt" query, explained that "Sprite contains citric acid, which helps dissolve bug splatter and light grime without being as harsh as strong chemicals that could damage acrylic or polycarbonate windscreens. No alcohol or ammonia – Many common glass cleaners (like Windex) contain ammonia, which can cause tiny cracks (crazing) in plastic airplane windows. Sprite doesn’t have ammonia, so it’s safer for these materials." Other comments speculated it might be seltzer water or a specialized aviation cleaner. The incident highlights the public's fascination with the intricacies of air travel and the unexpected solutions sometimes employed in the field.

The Mary Sue

2 days ago

‘Is this like a thing? I’m so confused’: Pilot hangs out window to clean plane …

An airline passenger sought answers after witnessing an airline pilot clean his cockpit windows with what she believed was Sprite.