A helicopter pilot appeared to pose in his chopper aircraft for a tourist’s selfie after flying over him
Gelson Soares, a digital marketing student, was on holiday with his friend when they decided to climb some rocks surrounding a beach.
They noticed a helicopter was flying towards them and decided to capture it on video.
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They also shared the clip to Instagram, where it has gathered over 272,000 views so far, as reported by What’s The Jam.
In the video, Gelson can be seen standing on the rocks as his friend films.
He poses with his arms above his head as the chopper flies over him.
Gelson can be heard laughing and joking before suddenly realising the helicopter was turning back around.
The pilot stops the aircraft directly behind him.
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Gelson lifts his arms again and smiles before waving to the helicopter as it flies away.
Lieutenant Colonel Marcos Paulo Rangel, who was piloting the aircraft, has since told local news that the moment took place during a preventive patrol operation in the region.
He was actually concerned for the safety of the young man, who was in a rocky area.
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“When we first passed through [the area], we were worried, but when we came back, we saw that he was safe and that was when he took the opportunity to take the video, which ended up going viral,” said Rangel.
He was flying over Itapirubá Beach, in Laguna, south west of Sao Paulo, Brazil, at the time.
“It’s great because we have a professional view from inside the helicopter.
“Those down below have the view of those who are enjoying themselves, having fun.
“And when we have a situation like this, of being able to take a photo, we feel recognised, it’s gratifying for us.”
Since sharing the video to social media, it has gained 20,000 likes and tones of comments.
Elano said: “That’s not a pilot with a lot of empathy for the next.”
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William commented: “What a pilot. He deserved the Oscar of empathy and making the next person happy.”
Adly wrote: “Respect pilots.”
Danilo added: “Plausible attitude, I guarantee he will remember this day for the rest of his life.”
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Vera said: “This pilot deserves a round of applause.”
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