Big Jet TV: livestreaming of planes landing during Storm Eunice goes viral
It is not suitable viewing for people with a fear of flying but a YouTube outlet that livestreams aircraft has become one of the unexpected hits of Storm Eunice.
Big Jet TV has built up a steady audience over the last six years by livestreaming aircraft movements but its biggest audiences come during storms, when its cameras are set up on the perimeter of airports and broadcast for hours.
On Friday, the channel hit a record 200,000 concurrent live viewers for its stream of planes struggling to land in strong winds at Heathrow airport – more than usually watch many British rolling news television channels.
The host often praises the pilots and ground teams for their hard work and expertise in landing the aircraft safely in difficult conditions, while viewers’ hearts must go out to those onboard.
A significant part of Big Jet TV’s appeal is its founder and host, Jerry Dyer, who has built up a cult audience online for his unfiltered excitable commentary. Watching the channel is the transport equivalent of tuning into Sky Sports’ longrunning Soccer Saturday programme – except rather than having a retired footballer enthusiastically reporting a goal, viewers are treated to Dyer screeching with delight when a pilot pulls off a challenging landing.
As one wobbling Air Algiers flight approached the Heathrow runway on Friday morning, Dyer shouted over the wind and made predictions about whether the aircraft would have to abandon its approach and make a “go-around”.
“I think this guy’s gonna struggle. He’s all over the place. Here we go, here we go. Easy, easy. He’s down!” he cried.
Occasionally, he lapsed into political commentary such as when welcoming an Aeroflot Boeing 777: “Next in from Moscow, let’s give a big warm welcome – or
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