There are many strange things in the aviation world. For example, there is a procedure for creating a water arch for an airplane. It is not done at all in order to wash the board after a long and difficult voyage. The most interesting thing is that the creation of such arches of aircraft technology has been started quite recently. It's time to find out for what purpose powerful jets of water are turned on over the airplanes passing along the runway.
As noted above, the "water arch" for aircraft is not a technical procedure at all. In fact, this is one of the beautiful traditions that has gained wide popularity in recent years at various airports in the world. They make an arch in honor of significant events. For example, when the first flight arrives or when a fundamentally new aircraft model arrives at the airport.
Interesting fact: The tradition of creating the "Water Arch" came to aviation from the navy. This ritual existed among sailors even before the advent of modern civil aviation.
It is believed that the first "Water Arch" was made by Salt Lake City airport staff in the late 1980s for the captain of one of the Boeing 767s, who was finally retiring after several decades of service. In the 1990s, this tradition began to rapidly gain popularity, first in the United States, then in European countries, and very soon it began to be practiced all over the world. The airport fire-fighting equipment is making the "water arch".
The only case when the creation of an arch also has a utilitarian meaning under it is in the winter period. At this time, the "Water Arches" of hot water can be used to wash off snow from the aircraft hull. After that, the machine is treated with special compounds, including an anti-corrosion additive and ethylene glycol.
Continuing the topic, read about why an intricate painted pattern is applied to the YAK-130 cockpit and not only.