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Air Force One Visit - Which Airport?

smitty1960 From United States of America, joined Jul 2010, 36 posts, RR: 0
Posted (10 months 1 week 6 days 15 hours ago) and read 4554 times:

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Sorry if this question is in the wrong forum. President Obama will visit Council Bluffs, Iowa on Monday. I'd like to photograph Air Force One arriving/departing, but which airport will he likely use? Eppley Airfield, or Offutt AFB? Eppley is closer to Council Bluffs, but Offutt AFB, 15 miles away, is more secure.

3 replies: All unread, jump to last

mjgbtv From United States of America, joined Jan 2008, 347 posts, RR: 0
Reply 1, posted (10 months 1 week 6 days 11 hours ago) and read 4506 times:

He came to BTV earlier this year and there were warnings about closed roads for the motorcade. If you see those you might be able to tell where he is flying to.

rfields5421 From United States of America, joined Jul 2007, 6189 posts, RR: 25
Reply 2, posted (10 months 1 week 6 days 10 hours ago) and read 4491 times:

I've never been able to figure out the Secret Service decision process for deciding which airport the President lands at.

Minimizing the ground transport distance seems to be a priority, but the ability to secure the aircraft parking area also seems high on the priority list.

Both airports would be fine as far as the runway capacity.

Some times it appears that they do not like USAF, USN or other military bases which have a moderate level of flight activity. I have no idea how busy Offutt is these days. The Secret Service also seems to not like USAF bases with strategic aircraft like bombers.

I think that might have to do with difficulty getting civilians like local officials, media and such cleared to get on the base for AF1 arrival and departure events.

[Edited 2012-08-09 18:15:49]

rutley21 From United States of America, joined Apr 2009, 175 posts, RR: 32
Reply 3, posted (10 months 5 days 5 hours ago) and read 4166 times:

Usually when AF1 comes into Tampa, FL, they land at KTPA instead of landing at MacDill Air force Base. MacDill Air force base is quite a distance from Tampa International, But the security would be better.

Rob

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