Afraid in Manhattan (NYPost)
I’m sorry, but this Air Force One photo opportunity over Manhattan was stupid on several levels. I’ve flown this complicated airspace, including right down the Hudson River and over the Statute of Liberty. Clearing the bridges, including the George Washington and the Verrazano, which this Boeing 747 also did, and staying below the Class B airspace is tricky enough in a 150mph airplane.
There are plenty of other fixed wing aircraft and helicopters traversing this area, throw in a 747 and a fighter jet appearing to fly below 500’ above sea level over a densely populated area like Manhattan is just insane. And that doesn’t take into account the people on the ground looking up and getting the daylights scared out of them.
Here’s a video showing just that, people running for it:
Just in case you didn’t get how low these aircraft were flying, here’s a different video that shows the reference between Air Force One and the buildings in the area.
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg was not amused.
I'll assume there was a waiver from the FAA for this operation, but it would've have been smart to put this all over the media so people wouldn't have panicked the way they were. There are more videos on YouTube, some with vulgar language, of people in disbelief and flat out scared. It wasn't even that great of a day for taking pictures. This just appears to be a callous disregard for the people on the ground and will score NO points for aviation with the general public.
It's bad enough when we have to scold our own in General Aviation when they go over the line and kill our image, one that constantly needs to be tended to. But when it's coming straight from the top (FAA is part of the Department of Transportation, which is part of the Executive branch of the government, that would be the President - full disclosure, I work for the FAA), it just leaves one scratching and shaking one's head. I loved the time I spent in New York, so to you bothered by this, sorry. And to those involved with this operation I'll say in closing "comon people, this doesn't help"
Comments
Mind-bogglingly stupid for the DOD to pull this stunt without notifying the media (or at least the Mayor's office) in advance, given the painful sensitivity New Yorkers must have to large aircraft flying low over their city.
Point of clarification however: It's only called Air Force One when the President is actually on board. Whatever else one thinks of him, I really can't imagine that Obama had anything to do (directly) with this nonsense.
I would think that Obama and his oh so wise people would have.......na...never mind, they don't think anyway!
Fu*k the Pentagon.
This couldn't have been easy to pull off. Surprised they were able to manipulate the airspace around the statue to do so. What was Obama and his staff thinking? How insensitive to re-traumatize the people of NY and this must have created havoc with the air traffic controllers working that airspace!! I think he's been hanging around the Hollywood crowd a bit too much.
Don't get it. I've been reading that Obama is furious over this too. He is? Probably because this made him (and Bloomberg) look stupid. Isn't he in charge of the FAA? Did he hire some inept people under him or what? One public blunder after another. So, if this happens again (for reals) than the public aren't supposed to freak out and chalk it up to a PR stunt?
Extremely insensitive to all the NYers nearby.
To the guy who said "f" the Pentagon...trust me, no Pentagon official authorized this flight on his own. No Air Force pilot or senior leader would EVER dream of pulling a stunt like this on his own. This flight was ordered from the White House...PERIOD!
I wonder if we can get an ATC transcript, because if the pilot called the plane "Air Force One" then the President had to be on board because the don't call it "Air Force One" if he isn't - check it out. Wouldn't that be a hoot.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!