Pilots onboard a Toronto flight that took off from Pearson Airport last month are being commended for keeping their cool and landing safely after their aircraft encountered a 5.4-kilogram bird on takeoff. 

The incident involved a Flair Airlines Boeing 737 Max 8, which was performing flight FLE641/F8641 from Toronto to Winnipeg International Airport on Oct. 24. Shortly after takeoff, pilots declared PAN-PAN — a term used in radiotelephone communications to signify that there is an urgency on board a boat, ship, aircraft, or other vehicle — and reported a bird strike. 

A reconstruction of the events was detailed in a video by YouTube channel, You can see ATC. 

"We have a busted forward windshield in the cockpit. We have a bird strike, and we're not pressurizing. We'll request vectors to the west, to stay away from the path of the aircraft and to prepare for our return back to landing," the pilot informs air traffic control. 

"We'll be stopping on the runway. We're not going to be able to taxi more probably. The windshields are shattered, and we cannot see outside," the pilot says, as he confirms there are 179 passengers onboard the aircraft. 

Luckily, the aircraft landed safely without further incident and remained on the runway for roughly 25 minutes before continuing to the gate. 

The aircraft's pilots were quickly commended for keeping calm throughout the terrifying ordeal and communicating effectively with air traffic controllers. 

"Professionalism on display.  No panic.  Calmness from both sides, able to assess the situation, and then execute the required actions," one person wrote under the video. 

"Obviously a very well-trained crew. Whether the captain or first officer on comms with ATC, voice is calm, clear, and articulate. This is the type of professionals that we all hope is flying us to our next destination. Hats off for a job well done," another comment reads. 

Flair Airlines confirmed to blogTO that the pilots onboard the flight were not injured and were back at work the next day. 

The species of bird involved in the crash is reported to have been a large crane in excess of 5 kilograms.

"The bird struck the top of the Captain's side windshield, causing damage and resulting in some glass pieces in the flight deck, but there were no injuries," a statement from the airline reads. 

"The pilots professionally managed the situation and returned to land in Toronto. The Flight Operations team ensured that the crew was safe and, as always, provided the option for some time off and support."