White House 'Photo Op' over lower Manhattan! (link attached)

[the330thbg]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090427/us_ ... york_plane

A White House photo op this morning, flew Air Force One and two F-16's at 500' over lower Manhattan..,for 30 minutes. Problem was, they did not want to tell anyone (other than FAA) because of 'Security Concerns'.., genius move!

[TAdan]

I think a similar thing happened in Australia a few months back when the RAAF did a photo flight with one of their 707 tankers.

[Holedigger]

I'd say what I think about it except then I'd be censored!

[the330thbg]

kind of like having a 'mock' gun battle outside of Columbine without telling the locals!

Five letters about this one..,

S N A F U

[jtramo]

Oh Boy! Free airshow!

Almost as bad as the time the NJ State Police "Special Teams Unit" (jersey seals!) boarded NJSP choppers for an exercise simulating a Nuclear Power Plant Takeover. They were to approach the power plant Apocalypse Now style riding the helo skids armed to the teeth and regain control of the plant. Problem is that they didnt tell the well armed plant. Leaders on both sides got skinned alive. NJSP for not telling the plant and Plant security for not shooting down the chopper!!!

[Mudge]

I'd say what I think about it except then I'd be censored!

Here too.

Mudge the wimp

[mike furline]

Another, lets make a mountain over a molehill.

Mike

[the330thbg]

Another, lets make a mountain over a molehill.

Mike

if you are referring to 'stupid government' then, yes, I agree

[jet1]

Another, lets make a mountain over a molehill.

Mike

most people have WAY TOO MUCH FREE TIME and WAY TOO LITTLE TO OCCUPY IT with!

[mike furline]

Another, lets make a mountain over a molehill.

Mike

if you are referring to 'stupid government' then, yes, I agree

I'm referring to the simple fly-by, not your well thought out point.

Mike

[cozmo]

I figured it for a molehill but there are a lot of folks there who were downright scared.

Careful, this is a link. CBS video

Could the White House have gotten some F-16's without notifying the Pentagon?

[LadyO2Pilot]

Another, lets make a mountain over a molehill.

Mike

if you are referring to 'stupid government' then, yes, I agree

I'm referring to the simple fly-by, not your well thought out point.

Mike

It wasn't just a simple fly-by. It lasted at least 30 minutes; several circuits at low altitude and affected business as evidenced by this quote from the story -

Many people fled buildings, and stock prices extended losses at the time.

If the appropriate local authorities had been notified and could have given advance warning to those in close-by buildings, it may not have caused panic.

[the330thbg]

I figured it for a molehill but there are a lot of folks there who were downright scared.

Careful, this is a link. CBS video

Could the White House have gotten some F-16's without notifying the Pentagon?

Clear case of an ounce of prevention goes a long way.

Our building told us they were filming a movie and there would be low flying aircraft. Of course this was after the fact.., but was still an intelligent way to address a touchy subject.

Most NYr's are still quasi avid aircraft enthusiasts now. In crowds, I still here 'wow, that is kinda low' every time an airliner skirts up the Hudson into LGA pattern.

Last edited by the330thbg on Mon Apr 27, 2009 4:01 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[mtpopejoy]

It is also a security issue telling everyone in lower Manhattan that Air Force One is going to be making low passes around the Statue of Liberty for 30 minutes.

[the330thbg]

It is also a security issue telling everyone in lower Manhattan that Air Force One is going to be making low passes around the Statue of Liberty for 30 minutes.

Like I said, my firm was told they would be filming a movie..,

fair enough cover. Of course this is after Goldman Sachs evacuated and the Mercantile Exchange empitied out!

Still frightening to see a 747 being chased around NY Harbor by F-16's!.., brought some memories right back!