Final Salute

This is a informal form of saluting done by Air craft pilots/captains especially in the Air Force. Even though many an Air Force uses a salute which is similar to the Army (i.e palm facing the person who recieves the salute), the Final Salute is generally given in the Navy style (i.e palm facing downwards), and not in a very formal way.

Final Salute is given by the pilot to the ground engineering crew who has assisted in the maintenance and security check of his air craft. These crew would be from the Non Commissioned Ranks are generally not authorised for any form of salute. The Final Salute is a token of appreciation from the pilot to the ground crew for providing him with assistance for flying, and also for doing a thorough check of his air craft. It is also an indication that he trusts the workman ship of the ground crew, and is now taking off.

The salute got the name, because a pilot my take off and gets killed in a plane crash. In that case, it is his final compliments to the ground staff.