@cbsnews: A Spanish air force pilot has been praised for his "exemplary speed and professionalism" after he performed a maneuver to avoid a flock of birds during the International Air Festival in Gijon. Video shows the F-18 suddenly losing altitude and coming close to the beach before swooping back up. The maneuver initially alarmed spectators, but Spain's Air and Space Force explained the move was part of "the standard protocol to protect both the pilot’s safety and the public’s safety.” #spain #gijon