Mesmerizing video of planes crossing shows the blistering pace at which they fly

  • This POV cockpit footage reveals how fast planes are flying
  • The video appears to show the C-130 military plane
  • Unbelievably that’s far faster than a commercial plane

Published on Mar 15, 2024 at 8:13 PM (UTC+4)
by Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones

Last updated on Mar 18, 2024 at 1:28 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by Alessandro Renesis

People can’t believe this POV cockpit footage that reveals the pace planes are flying at in the sky.

It’s a real eye-opener for the majority of us who’ve never seen the sky from this perspective before.

And it’s really got the internet talking.

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The viral video has amassed over 10.2 million views since it was uploaded to TikTok on 1 March by Cole Mayo.

The US Air Force Boom Operator is responsible for refuelling other military aircraft safely and effectively, mid-flight, stationed at the rear of the plane.

Most of the time as a plane passenger, the plane doesn’t feel too extreme.

Because, according to physics – motion is relative.

Except for when a commercial plane recently accidentally flew faster than the speed of sound – and the footage from inside the cabin is extreme.

The regular cruising speed of a passenger jet like a Boeing 737 – the world’s most common commercial aircraft – is approximately 789-845 km/h (490-525 mph).

While that has nothing on a supersonic plane, like the NASA X-59 , it’s a pretty fast pace.

The video appears to show the C-130 military plane

It zooms past just 304m (1,000ft) below the plane he’s flying in.

According to his hashtags that’s a KC-137.

This larger military plane is primarily used to refuel other planes – which makes sense taking his role into account.

With over 9.5 million views on the social media app, it’s fair to say it caught many people’s eyes.

However, even though the C-130 seems quick, its cruising speed of 660 km/h (410 mph) means it’s almost 161 km/h (100 mph) slower than the average commercial plane.

Commenters couldn’t believe the footage based on their experience of flying, claiming that it puts things into perspective.

“It’s crazy because when you’re actually inside a plane it feels so slow,” one said.

“It’s crazy how there are 100,000 flights everyday around the globe, we think sky [sic] is clear but it’s actually like a road,” another said.

“That’s relative velocity for you. If both planes are moving at 500 mph, you experience the other plane moving at 1000 mph,” said a third.


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Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones

London-based Amelia cut her journalistic teeth covering all things lifestyle, wellness and luxury in the UK capital. Fast-forward a decade and the experienced content creator and editor has put pen to paper for glossy magazines, busy newsrooms and coveted brands. When her OOO is on you can find her spending quality time with her young family, in the gym or exploring the city she loves.