History Main / AirplaneArms

%% Image selected per Image Pickin' thread: https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/posts.php?discussion=1325558847039680100

[[quoteright:288:[[UsefulNotes/AssociationFootball https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/montella1_9280.jpg]]]]
[[caption-width-right:288:Nyoom[[labelnote:!]]Pictured: Vincenzo Montella "L'Aeroplanino"[[/labelnote]]]]

* ''WesternAnimation/BobsBurgers'': Tina does an awkward version of this where she runs with her arms just limply hanging at her side. [[OOCIsSeriousBusiness The only time she runs normally is]] when her and Louise deduce that an extremely annoying girl is going to ask Gene to date her, and they rush to try and stop it from happening.

** The fire nation kids seem to be a fan of running like a {{Ninja}}. The shuriken wielding [[https://64.media.tumblr.com/cd5103582d71a0e8b690b40d514f6412/tumblr_odrtz2eW4G1tpnsbjo1_1280.jpg Mai]] runs like this in her first appearance. [[https://i.imgur.com/6AFqLeL.jpg Ty Lee]] runs like this on wires during "The Boiling Rock" two-parter. [[https://i.redd.it/vu57mer1aoa41.jpg Zuko]] runs like this during the FinalBattle and even [[https://i.pinimg.com/originals/99/00/59/9900598f53e21df657826d05201cde34.gif Azula]] runs like this while fighting Aang in "The Drill". Possibly justified in Azula's case as she seems to be using Firebending to propel herself like an actual aircraft, but it fails since Aang halts her with a stream of mud making her lose balance and slip.

* Music/{{Weezer}}'s video for [[https://www.youtu.be/gkroIXktjgE&ob=av2e "The Good Life"]] has Matt Sharp and Patrick Wilson briefly doing a slo-mo airplane run across the studio together during the instrumental bridge of the song - appropriately enough, this is cut to when the pizza delivery driver from the ConceptVideo segments is watching an actual plane skywrite the word "DELIVER".

* Near the middle to end of [[https://www.youtu.be/kn6-c223DUU&ob=av2e "Airplanes"]]

* In ''Webcomic/KiwiBlitz'', robots run with their arms swept back. In TheRant, Mary Cagle explains that this is because their locomotion is quite different from a human's.

** Parodied by one the many UncannyValley [=NPCs=] of ''Sonic 2006''. A man with Sonic hair and a familiar dress style will challenge Sonic to a race, claiming to be the real Sonic, and he reenacts this style of running. He's really, really slow, though, and it's almost impossible to lose against him.

* Franchise/TheFlash happily does it at high speed (seen in slow-motion) at the end of ''Film/ZackSnydersJusticeLeague''.

* ''WesternAnimation/DespicableMe'': The little boy in the opening sequence runs towards the pyramid like this with his toy airplane, continues up the ramp, takes one step too many and falls from the great height, but then realizes he's actually airborne so he continues with the pose.

* Some [[EverythingsBetterWithPenguins penguins]] can be seen doing this. [[https://www.youtu.be/H23bCGYElj0 And yes, it is just as adorable as it sounds.]] Other ground-dwelling and/or flightless birds will do this to balance themselves as they run. Ostriches and secretary birds are good examples.

* Some [[EverythingsBetterWithPenguins penguins]] can be seen doing this. [[https://www.youtu.be/H23bCGYElj0 And yes, it is just as adorable as it sounds.]]
** Not just penguins either. Other ground-dwelling and/or flightless birds will do this to balance themselves as they run. Ostriches and secretary birds are good examples.
* Common in small children as an attempt to balance.
** Or when they're pretending they're an airplane. Duh.
*** Bommbs over To—kyooooooooo!!!! in the 50s, and, one supposes, the 40s.

A strange position where a character in a generally good mood runs with their arms fully outstretched to the sides like the wings of an airplane. (Try it, it's fun!)

* In the sixth ''Manga/{{Hellsing}}'' OVA, the Nazi vampires run this way. The eighth episode has Iscariot officers running through Alucard's infernal host [[https://youtu.be/Bonz97dJOyU?t=2195 this way]].

* In ''Anime/DragonBallZ'' Gohan and his little brother Goten [[https://i.makeagif.com/media/8-25-2017/IRZqR8.gif run like this]] while training. They likely get it from their father [[https://i.giphy.com/media/1wXeZxGTdF8Uka5k4C/giphy.webp Goku]] who would often run with Airplane Arms in the original ''Manga/DragonBall''.

** [[https://comicvine1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/11129/111292893/6110783-suki%20speed.gif Suki]] along with rest of the Kyoshi warriors run like this. Since they are based off Japanese theatre it's very fitting.

* The ending credits to ''Anime/MyOtome'' follow Arika as she does a Bird Run across an endless field of stars.

* For some reason, when Kanzaki Akari from ''Anime/BattleAthletes'' does this, she goes super fast.
* ''Manga/AzumangaDaioh'':
** This is parodied in a track episode. Chiyo, inspired to catch up, goes into this pose and promptly ends up running even slower.
** Osaka tries a variant to keep people from passing her. It fails, mostly because her arms aren't twelve feet long.
%%* Son Gohan and others in ''Franchise/DragonBall''.
* As you'd expect from the mention of Ninja above, pretty much ''everyone'' in ''Manga/{{Naruto}}'' does this, either by running on the ground or by jumping and gliding from one rooftop/branch to another.
* Kitsune does this in ''Manga/LoveHina'' while looking for her drill in Episode 13.
* Lucario does this in the ''Anime/PokemonLucarioAndTheMysteryOfMew'' movie.

* ''Manga/DoctorSlump'':
** Arale is perhaps not only the first manga/anime character to ever do this, but she's also probably responsible for the name, since she does it to pretend she's flying and makes a sound like a jet engine.
--->'''Arale:''' [[SayingSoundEffectsOutLoud KIIIIIIIIN]].
** Obotchaman does this, too, though less frequently than Arale.
* Misuzu often runs around like this in ''VisualNovel/{{Air}}'', which is likely a hint about her background. That she falls down a lot may also be very symbolic in the show's context.
* Manga/InuYasha, whenever he's in a hurry.
* Sayoko (a NinjaMaid) does this in ''Anime/CodeGeass''.
* ''Franchise/{{Gundam}}'':
** In ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamZZ'', [[GenkiGirl Puru]] was really fond of doing this while saying "[[PokemonSpeak Puru puru puru puru!]]" It's a recurrent gag in ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWars'' and other Gundam related videogames.
** ''[[Anime/MobileSuitGundam Moble Suit Gundam's]]'' Lala Sune loves doing this. Light glows around her when she's doing it.
** ''[[Anime/MobileSuitZetaGundam Zeta Gundam's]]'' Four Murasame and Stella Loussier, from ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamSeedDestiny''.
** ''[[Anime/MobileSuitVictoryGundam V Gundam]]'' has Usso running like this during an intro.
* In ''Anime/DragonBallZ'' Gohan and his little brother Goten [[https://i.makeagif.com/media/8-25-2017/IRZqR8.gif run like this]] while training. They likely get it from their father [[https://i.giphy.com/media/1wXeZxGTdF8Uka5k4C/giphy.webp Goku]] who would often run with Airplane Arms in the original ''Manga/DragonBall''.
* Kana from ''Manga/MinamiKe'' does this sometimes. In a desperate situation in episode 5 of ''Okawari'', she Bird Runs all over town. (Unsurprisingly, she skins both knees in the process.)
* ''Anime/TheBigO'' villain Schwarzwald plays this straight. After he initially discovers his flying giant robot he's so excited he can't help but run through the hangar with his arms outstretched.
* ''Everyone'' runs with their arms trailing behind them aerodynamically in ''Manga/SaintSeiya'', at least past the Sanctuary arc. This new style coincides with the updated, wispy character designs. Averted in ''[[Manga/SaintSeiyaTheLostCanvas The Lost Canvas]]''.
* Mugen does this in an episode of ''Anime/SamuraiChamploo''. That this is done during the Edo period is due to AnachronismStew.
* Mihoshi does this a lot in ''Manga/SoraNoManimani''.

* ''Anime/DaphneInTheBrilliantBlue'': Child!Maia in a flashback, used to highlight how carefree she was back then.
* In ''Manga/OnePiece'' several characters occasionally run with Airplane Arms such as [[https://youtu.be/VT9OYs07jOE?t=7 Luffy]] and [[https://youtu.be/DfT0XgTmiy0?t=9 Sanji]] during the Thriller Bark arc. Of course actual ninjas like Raizo and Shinbou from Wano run like this too, even [[https://64.media.tumblr.com/a62802ec90734dbc8ea6573c90c1b2ae/5f7c14143fe2b318-04/s400x600/42907697684864e454990efce93c20471cb39322.gifv Nami]] runs like this after becoming a kunoichi.
* ''Webcomic/HetaliaAxisPowers'':
** CheerfulChild Sealand does this quite a bit.
** The entire Italian army does this while running away from lookout duty.
* In ''Manga/AttackOnTitan'', at least all members of the Survey Corps. run this way.
* [[CheerfulChild Vivio]] does this in episode 15 of ''Anime/MagicalGirlLyricalNanohaStrikers'' as she runs to [[HasTwoMommies Nanoha and Fate]]... before promptly falling flat on her face.
* Nadeshiko of ''Manga/LaidBackCamp'' runs like this when excited, and since she is [[GenkiGirl easily excitable]] it is a frequent occurrence.

* The Mayor in ''WesternAnimation/TheNightmareBeforeChristmas'' runs like this, due to his body's size and shape compared to his small feet.
* In ''WesternAnimation/{{Frozen|2013}}'', Anna does this pose at the end of "For the First Time in Forever", and Elsa does it in the middle of "Let it Go".

* ''WesternAnimation/DespicableMe'': The little boy in the opening sequence runs towards the pyramid like this with his toy airplane, continues up the ramp, takes one step too many and falls from the great height, but then realizes he's actually airborne so he continues with the pose.
%%* Satsuki and Mei in ''Anime/MyNeighborTotoro''

* In ''Film/RepoTheGeneticOpera'', Nathan does this for a moment during the song "Thankless Job".

* ''Film/Titanic1997'': "I'm the king of the world!"
* In ''Film/HarryPotterAndThePrisonerOfAzkaban'' Harry Potter does this while he's on Buckbeak while skimming over the Lake.
* ''Film/AFishCalledWanda'': Near the end, when Archie is trying to get Ken to tell him where Otto and Wanda have fled with the jewels, Ken, who has a bad stutter, does this to show they've gone to Heathrow Airport.
* In ''Film/BendItLikeBeckham'' [[spoiler:Joe runs around in a circle with airplane arms when he scores in a game of cricket with Jesminder's father and Pinky's husband]].

* ''Series/SeijuuSentaiGingaman'' and ''Series/HyakujuuSentaiGaoranger'', and their adaptations ''Series/PowerRangersLostGalaxy'' and ''Series/PowerRangersWildForce'' use a variation where they run partially bent over with their arms out in what is apparently intended to be a [[PrimalStance ready-to-strike-savagely position]]. [[RuleOfCool It's not as practical as it sounds.]]
** Miratrix of ''Series/PowerRangersOperationOverdrive'' seems to have pulled her Airplane Arms straight from ''Manga/{{Naruto}}''.
* Barney on ''Series/HowIMetYourMother'' does a lovely airplane-armed run to see the mysterious girl in Ted's bed in the Pineapple Incident.

* The song in the page quote was used on ''Series/SesameStreet''. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5wOkfHwweo Watch it]], in all its catchy goodness.
* Sailor Venus does this often as part of her fighting style in early episodes of ''Series/PrettyGuardianSailorMoon''. She also does it in the opening sequence.

* The [[Recap/DoctorWhoS24E1TimeAndTheRani Lakertyans]] of ''Series/DoctorWho'' run like this, though with their arms very close to their bodies. Apparently the intention was to make their species and culture more alien: it worked very well.
* Happens fairly frequently in ''Series/HorribleHistories'' songs, especially [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65Cy4-rfd24 Shakespeare's song.]]

* Near the middle to end of [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kn6-c223DUU&ob=av2e "Airplanes"]]
* Music/{{Weezer}}'s video for [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkroIXktjgE&ob=av2e "The Good Life"]] has Matt Sharp and Patrick Wilson briefly doing a slo-mo airplane run across the studio together during the instrumental bridge of the song - appropriately enough, this is cut to when the pizza delivery driver from the ConceptVideo segments is watching an actual plane skywrite the word "DELIVER".

* ''VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog'' has run this way ever since Sonic CD, his SuperMode also flies like this.
** Parodied by one the many UncannyValley [=NPCs=] of ''Sonic 2006''. A man with Sonic hair and a familiar dress style will challenge Sonic to a race, claiming to be the real Sonic, and he reenacts this style of running. He's really, really slow, though, and it's almost impossible to lose against him.
** Tails (whether he's flying or not), Knuckles, Amy, Cream, and Eggman all do this when running full speed.
* Aigis (the robot) in ''VideoGame/Persona3''. This looks especially funny when she has her sundress on. In [[ExpansionPack FES's]] "The Answer" mode, she moves less like a jumbo jet and more like a quail -- less stiff, but even more birdlike.
* [[CuteBruiser Sakura]] from ''Franchise/StreetFighter'' runs into her matches this way and almost overbalances before assuming a fighting stance.
* [[Franchise/SuperMarioBros Mario]] has been doing this in the 2D platformers since ''VideoGame/SuperMarioBros3''.
** And if he has the right item (such as the Cape in ''VideoGame/SuperMarioWorld''), he ''can'' take flight, making this almost a literal case of a Bird Run.
** Also, when he first appears in ''VideoGame/SuperMarioGalaxy'', Mario is seen running towards the Star Festival with his arms out, just because he's such a happy-go-lucky guy. Also, he can run like this in-game in [[InvincibilityPowerUp Rainbow form]].
** In ''[[VideoGame/MarioStrikers Mario Strikers Charged]]'', Luigi runs around and does this as one of his animations when he scores a goal. He does the same in the Gamecube Strikers Game
** Interestingly, while Peach does this while running in ''VideoGame/SuperMario3DWorld'', Mario and Luigi ''don't'', instead tucking their arms in while running.
** In ''VideoGame/MarioGolf Toadstool Tour'', Bowser Jr's eagle animation shows him doing this before striking a pose

* The [[spoiler:Majestic 12]] Commando in ''VideoGame/DeusEx'' does something similar to this while aiming and firing its ArmCannon-like machine-guns. It looks silly but they can and will mess you up six ways 'til Sunday.
* Rumia and Suika from the ''Franchise/TouhouProject'' series do this, with two different justifications: Rumia does it for FauxSymbolism reasons (it helps that she keeps the pose while standing still), and Suika is always drunk.
* [[VideoGame/StarFox Falco Lombardi]] runs in variations of this manner depending on the game. In the credits of ''VideoGame/StarFox64'', he is seen running exactly this way. Probably appropriate, since he is essentially an anthropomorphic bird... and in ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosBrawl'', it's actually ''Fox'' that sprints at a full-on Bird Run. Huh. Falco goes for more of a NinjaRun for this game.
* Also in ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBros'', Ness, Mega Man, Kirby, and the aforementioned Sonic all run like this with their arms swept behind them. Meanwhile, Lucario uses the ninja variant, and Marth and Lucina use the samurai variant, with Mewtwo evoking the former as he floats.

* Harle in ''VideoGame/ChronoCross''.

* One of [[VideoGame/SplosionMan 'Splosion Man's]] running animations.
* Altair and Ezio from the ''Franchise/AssassinsCreed'' series do this whenever they're running on something narrow like a wire, wall or a fence. Justified in that the outstretched arms help with balance.
* Taokaka from ''VideoGame/BlazBlue'' does this in her forward dash.
* Yayoi Takatsuki from ''VideoGame/TheIdolmaster'' has a habit of ''bowing'' with her arms in this position, in a manner resembling a scissor door.

* In ''VideoGame/LeagueOfLegends'', Udyr being in his Phoenix Stance changes his run animation to running with airplane arms, tilting slightly to either side with each step like he's actually pretending to fly. Also Zed, a ninja champion, changes his run animation to airplane arms at high movement speeds.
* The Acrobatics travel power in ''VideoGame/ChampionsOnline'' also has the character running in this position. Therefore, the power is often mocked and (incorrectly) nicknamed NinjaRun.

* DualWielding and sprinting in ''[[VideoGame/TheElderScrollsVSkyrim Skyrim]]'' will result in this. With the right perks, you can go from this to a power attack that nobody will walk away pretty from.
* [[StarfishAliens Ceph Grunts, Captains and Stalkers]] will do this in ''VideoGame/{{Crysis}} 2'' when they charge to engage in melee combat. Stop them dead or go into armor mode, or you will be in for a world of hurt.
* [=Zer0=] in ''VideoGame/Borderlands2'' does this if he's sprinting without any guns equipped.
* When she's not teleporting, Nix in ''VideoGame/InFamous2'' gets around with a fast, low-to-the-ground Airplane Run. The Harpies in the DLC ''Festival of Blood'' do the same, suggesting that they use some of Nix's code.
* ''VideoGame/BlacklightRetribution'': The 'Airplane' taunt, complete with sound effects.
* [[VideoGame/{{Bubsy}} Bubsy the Bobcat]] does this when he glides.

* Ninjas in ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXIV'' have this as a unique running animation.
** This is shown most in the Lalafellin race due to their short arms.
* An early ''VideoGame/GuildWars2'' bug resulted in this, which some players found hilarious (as shown in [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CunHb3TJsg this]] video). Years later for their April 1. joke they brought it back with airplane arms for every player, a pilot's cap, a vintage filter and the PC constantly making airplane noises (even appropriate ones during falling).
* In ''VideoGame/DanganronpaAnotherEpisodeUltraDespairGirls'', [[SerialKiller Genocide]] [[SuperpoweredEvilSide Jack]] runs with her arms behind her back, each holding a pair of scissors, with a purple energy trail behind her.

* In ''VideoGame/DragonBallXenoverse'' and ''VideoGame/DragonBallXenoverse2'', Majin [=CaCs=] do this for their run animation.
* The "young girl" characters, such as Klee, Qiqi, and Diona, all run like this in ''VideoGame/GenshinImpact''.
* ''VideoGame/DayOfTheTentacle'': Laverne's walking animation involves her running with her arms outstretched unless she is wearing the tentacle costume.
* Villagers in ''VideoGame/AnimalCrossingNewHorizons'' will sometimes Airplane Run around the plaza. Villagers with the play hobby will do this any time.

* In ''Webcomic/ElGoonishShive'', Grace [[https://www.egscomics.com/comic/2014-08-08 does]] this while considering the long term potential for a relationship between Justin and Luke.

* This was [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ollHKfSKKw brought up]] in an episode of ''WebVideo/GameGrumps'' when the grumps were playing ''Manga/{{Naruto}} Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations'' (Jon as Sasuke, Arin as Shikamaru).

* ''WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender'':
** The fire nation kids seem to be a fan of running like a {{Ninja}}. The shuriken wielding [[https://64.media.tumblr.com/cd5103582d71a0e8b690b40d514f6412/tumblr_odrtz2eW4G1tpnsbjo1_1280.jpg Mai]] runs like this in her first appearance. [[https://i.imgur.com/6AFqLeL.jpg Ty Lee]] runs like this on wires during "The Boiling Rock" two-parter. [[https://i.redd.it/vu57mer1aoa41.jpg Zuko]] runs like this during the FinalBattle and even [[https://i.pinimg.com/originals/99/00/59/9900598f53e21df657826d05201cde34.gif Azula]] runs like this while fighting Aang in "The Drill". Possibly justified in Azula's case as she seems to be using Firebending to propel herself like an actual aircraft, but it fails since Aang halts her with a stream of mud making her lose balance and slip.
** [[https://comicvine1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/11129/111292893/6110783-suki%20speed.gif Suki]] along with rest of the Kyoshi warriors run like this. Since they are based off Japanese theatre it's very fitting.

* Goo from ''WesternAnimation/FostersHomeForImaginaryFriends'' does this, along with stumbling around off-balance.
* ''WesternAnimation/TeenTitans'': Happy Raven does this when Beast Boy and Cyborg enter Raven's mirror in "Nevermore". It's their first hint that she isn't the Raven they're used to.

* Numbuh Two from ''WesternAnimation/CodenameKidsNextDoor'' runs like this sometimes. Fitting because he's the teams pilot.
* ''WesternAnimation/TheAmazingWorldOfGumball'': Young Nicole runs like this on her way to a martial arts tournament in "The Choices".
* ''WesternAnimation/FamilyGuy'': Appears for a split-second, in the episode "No Meals on Wheels", after Peter shocks Lois in a little trap of his (ItMakesSenseInContext), he runs away, makeshift cape flapping, in a very [[VideoGame/SuperMarioWorld familiar]] [[ShoutOut manner]].

* ''WesternAnimation/TheBackyardigans'': Uniqua does this in the opening of "Fly Girl", establishing it as a pilot-themed episode[[note]]as in flying pilots, not a PilotEpisode[[/note]].

* Some [[EverythingsBetterWithPenguins penguins]] can be seen doing this. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H23bCGYElj0 And yes, it is just as adorable as it sounds.]]

** ''[[Anime/MobileSuitZetaGundam Zeta Gundam's]]'' Four Murasame and her {{Expy}}, Stella Loussier, from ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamSeedDestiny''.

** Former Israeli soccer player Alon Mizrahi was nicknamed "Ha'Aviron" ("The Airplane") for the same reason as Vincezo Montella (though he was also known for [[TheDitz saying stupid stuff]]).

* Villagers in ''VideoGame/AnimalCrossingNewHorizons'' will sometimes Airplane Run around the plaza.

* In ''Film/HarryPotterAndThePrisonerOfAzkaban'' Harry Potter does this while he's on Buckbeak while skimming over the Lake

->''"I'm a little airplane; nyow.\\

I'm a little airplane now."''

[[folder:Anime and Manga]]

* This is often done by younger characters, or characters who act much younger than they really are, and shows up in many an anime, including ''Manga/GoldfishWarning'' and ''[[Manga/StrawberryMarshmallow Strawberry Marshmallow]]''
* {{Shinigami}} in ''Manga/{{Bleach}}'' use a variant of this running style, especially in combat or hurrying to the next scene/encounter.
* Rin from ''Manga/PleaseSaveMyEarth''
* Souga in ''Manga/CheekyAngel'' chases after Megumi in a Bird Run, and Fujiki imagines himself doing so across a field of flowers.

-->'''Arale:''' [[SayingSoundEffectsOutLoud KIIIIIIIIN]].

-->'''[[WebVideo/HellsingUltimateAbridged Alucard]]''': Y'all know you're ''Naruto'' running, right?!

[[folder:Films -- Animated]]

[[folder:Webcomics]]

-->Since they don’t have a human’s muscular system, it’s actually efficient for these gals to run NINJA STYLE. Unlike actual humans and/or narutos.

-->Creator/{{Egoraptor}}: Everybody knows the runs-faster by wiggling your arms around behind you.
-->WebVideo/JonTron: Look at him, he's like "I'm a worm, I'm flying through the air!" [high-pitched] Superman with broken arms!
* [[https://youtu.be/_VpiBd0DLcw An episode of Because Science]] tested this trope out with the show host and a professional athlete. Verdict: [[spoiler:Because of the instinctual fear of falling over due to the animé run's positioning, both runners are ''3% slower'' than when they run conventionally, though the professional's "animé run" is still faster than the show host's standard sprinting]].

* In ''WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender'':
** The fire nation kids seem to be a fan of running like a {{Ninja}}. The shuriken wielding [[https://64.media.tumblr.com/cd5103582d71a0e8b690b40d514f6412/tumblr_odrtz2eW4G1tpnsbjo1_1280.jpg Mai]] runs like this in her first appearance. [[https://i.imgur.com/6AFqLeL.jpg Ty Lee]] runs like this on wires during "The Boiling Rock" two-parter. [[https://i.redd.it/vu57mer1aoa41.jpg Zuko]] runs like this during the FinalBattle and even [[https://i.pinimg.com/originals/99/00/59/9900598f53e21df657826d05201cde34.gif Azula]] runs like this while fighting Aang in "The Drill".
*** Possibly justified in Azula's case as she seems to be using Firebending to propel herself like an actual aircraft, but it fails since Aang halts her with a stream of mud making her lose balance and slip.

* In ''WesternAnimation/TheLegendOfKorra'', the {{Ninja}}-like [[AntiMagicalFaction Equalist]] [[MageKiller chi-blockers]] occasionally display this trope. In Book Two, Korra appears to have adopted it herself.

* ''WesternAnimation/TeenTitans'': Happy!Raven does this when Beast Boy and Cyborg enter Raven's mirror in "Nevermore". It's their first hint that she isn't the Raven they're used to.
* In the ''WesternAnimation/LooneyTunes'' ''Brother Brat'', an aircaft worker leaves her son for Porky to babysit, enthusiastically telling him "We hafta build those planes!" and heading out with arms outstretched - and then seen ''flying off'' in the distance!
** Bugs Bunny does this in "The Hare-Brained Hypnotist," after he is somehow hypnotized into thinking he's a B-19 aircraft.
** In 1936's "Plane Dippy," Porky has outstretched arms and imitating a plane to tell an army sergeant he wants to be a pilot.
* Numbah 2 from ''WesternAnimation/CodenameKidsNextDoor'' runs like this sometimes. fitting because he's the teams pilot.

* This a fairly common celebratory dance for various sports, most notably scoring a goal in soccer
** Former Italian striker Vincenzo Montella (pictured above) was nicknamed "L'Aeroplanino" ("The Little Aeroplane") for his tendency to celebrate in this manner.
** Former Israeli soccer player Alon Mizrahi was nicknamed "Ha'Aviron" ("The Airplane") for the same reason as Vincezo Montella (though he was also known for [[TheDitz saying stupid stuff]]).
** Jason Eugene Terry, nicknamed JET from his initials, of the NBA's Boston Celtics (and previously Dallas Mavericks), often does this after making a big shot.
** Saquon Barkley frequently does a variation by windmilling his arms forward while running after a long play for a touchdown. [[https://youtu.be/7bnqpnFIHeQ Done briefly here]] by both Barkley and Odell Beckham Jr.
* One of the common house rules for Ultimate Frisbee mandates this trope. It's much harder than you'd think! Try throwing without using your elbow or shoulder, for example.

* Taken a step up in ''Anime/SpiritedAway'', where Haku is able to swiftly hover inches above the ground by running this way.

* Satsuki and Mei in ''Anime/MyNeighborTotoro''