The Instagram account Jaeseo Papercraft has built a following of more than 400,000 people with a truly novel concept: Making hyperrealistic paper model airplanes and gifting them to the pilots of those aircraft. However, when the account’s creator Josh approached an American Airlines pilot with his latest model, it turned into an unexpectedly powerful and emotional moment. 

The video began as most do: Josh politely approached a pilot leaning against a pillar, confirmed he worked for American Airlines, and asked which airplane he flew. 

A moment of recognition

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“I fly the 737,” said the pilot, before adding, “There’s no way this is happening.”

Momentarily confused, Josh continued his spiel, explaining, “I make paper models of airplanes…” But that was all he could get out before the pilot, clearly unable to contain his excitement, interrupted him. 

“I........

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