Someone decided to make a new official picture of AirForce One to replace the one over the Grand Canyon. Why not. Someone decided to make the new picture over New-York City. I can understand the idea and the stength of the symbol. This “classified” mission was organised and the spare Boeing 747 with the presidential painting flew at low altitude over New-York city, accompanied by a couple of F-16s.

This sounds like a simple story and even a great opportunity. Many spotters and aviation enthusiats dream of such an opportunity. A mini air-show from what is probably the world’s most famous aircraft over Manhattan’s skyline is certainly the dream of many. There was however a small hiccup in this operation: it was classified !

The Air Force warned the New-York Police Department about a operation over the city but said nothing about its nature. When the New-Yorkers saw a 747 flying low at an unusual place some of their worst memories came back. I don’t know if some of them recognized the presidential paint scheme. To be fair I don’t know if recognizing it would have been better or worse. The reaction was so strong that some people headed to nearest shelter, re-living the 9/11 events.

This event shows how the world is split between people working in aviation business daily and knowing it and others for which aviation is a threat. Before 9/11, such an operation would have been a non-event, and I understand that for the US AirForce people it was something almost usual. But they should have known that for some persons, the sight of an un-expected jet over the World Trade Center site was shocking.

I don’t even understand why this mission was classified. The president was not on board and I can hardly imagine what for a risk justified this classification. The AirForce missed a great occasion to improve its image and organise a “marketing” event. Instead of benefitin from this unique opportunity, they changed it intro a sad and scandalous event which is now relayed in all media. That’s what all footbal (read soccer) fans call an autogoal.

Read more:
Release from aero-new.net about this flight
Older post about 9/11: The day we all became suspects

Update on 9th of May 2009: An aide of the White House resigned for not having informed proper persons there.