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Blue Angels commander says flyover was ‘unsafe'
Task & Purpose • • nation
Key Points:
- The Blue Angels commander, Navy Capt. Adam Bryan, acknowledged that a low flyover of a crowded Pensacola beach was “unsafe” by the team’s safety standards, causing jet blast that scattered chairs and umbrellas.
- The incident occurred during an arrival maneuver at the Red, White and Blue Air Show, and Bryan emphasized a thorough debrief to reinforce safe flight demonstrations.
- Despite Bryan’s safety concerns, senior military and White House officials circulated celebratory social media posts praising the flyover, with some downplaying safety issues as unpatriotic.
- The Blue Angels are deeply integrated with the Pensacola community, regarded as a hometown team, and their flights are a significant local event attracting large crowds.
- FAA regulations prohibit flying fixed-wing aircraft below 500 feet over congested crowds, highlighting the risk of the maneuver, though Bryan focused on maintaining safety without political commentary.
