US Presidential visit aircraft movements.

[Jaryd stock]

Thought i would start a thread for the Obama vist this week.

I was also out driving past Richmond tonight and notice that a C-5 was sitting on the ground must of just landed to dark to catch serial number...

[Shayne G]

A C-5?

Awesome, did you see if it has the old engines?

[Jaryd stock]

Too dark Shayne to get an exact look plus didnt bother stoping...

[Noel White]

87-0034

[Jaryd stock]

If you go to the Washington Post website you can find there a preidential tracker, it traces movements and meetings Obama has had gives details up to the present hour it does not give details of further trips or trip here. But it will give you departure time from Honolulu/ Hickam and then you can work out arrival times in Canberra. You were able not to track his movements for G20 meetings but by looking at departure time from Andrews AFB you could guestimate his arrival into Cannes using this site....

[Shayne G]

Looks like she does have old engines according to recent pics of it, thanks Noel.

Would be good to hear that beast depart...

[Peter Agatsiotis]

Checked my log which shows C-17 05-5150 reach 281 arriving in Canberra around 9:30 am and leaving about 12 pm.

[Tim Bowrey]

87-0034 the C-5B arrived in Richmond yesterday evening about 8pm.

[Shayne G]

Activity around the C-5B shows possible departure soon.

[Drew H]

Reach 890 taxiing for Canberra now!

[Michael Mak]

I think it just departed Richmond.

[Zac M]

The C-5 just overflew my house...wow

[Drew H]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6034/6339719362_215f8fa055_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dark_morelia/6339719362/)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6032/6338968897_1789e962e6_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dark_morelia/6338968897/)

I thought she was going to use RWY28 like everything else had, but instead she backtracked 28 and took off on RWY10. Missed rotation shots, but got the goose-bump-raising spool up just across from us :D
She turned left after takeoff and came back almost overhead tracking for Katoomba, absolutely brilliant sound.

[Zac M]

Made a low speed aborted takeoff in Canberra, I believe it's still there

[Todd Milton]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6215/6339489957_eececd2958_z.jpg
Here is a photo of it taxiing, before it got to the end of the runway and headed back to Fairbairn. When it got back we knew it wasn't going anywhere for a while, so left with the light getting low. At least we got to see it taxi!

My C-5 Galaxy Album (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kommissar_todd06/sets/72157627991858451/with/6339489957/)

[Peter Agatsiotis]

Two more arrivals earlier this morning:

04-4137 C-17 Reach 299 to Canberra
86-0403 C-20C (G3) SAM43 to Richmond

[Jaryd stock]

That C-20C Gulfstream is a pretty closely guarded aircraft, just reading up on them. there's 3 of them based at Andrews AFB, there is always one of them that flys to the closest AFB from where AF1 will be going and is always on runway alert.

Nothing has been published or released by USAF about them according to this book, apparently the theory is they are there to carry goverment officials in case of an attack of some sort. Interestingly all there instruments are analogue and there's no glass cockpit which makes it invulrenble to a EMP blast from a nuclear detonation...

[Simon C]

C17 08-8200 arrived Brisbane RCH 282
Another USAF C17 due from Anderson AFB this afternoon.

[Maikha Ly]

To follow the theme of the thread, for those who've ever been curious about Air Force One, and the logistics behind such an operation (I imagine his upcoming visit will be very similar), the following is a National Geographic documentary that's been posted on YouTube, and aired around the time of President Obama's Inauguration.

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bk-OGVIlJIk
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgQWfB6eaNg&feature=related
Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYrnqVUxwNo&feature=fvwrel
Part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQ_z_JhA14s&feature=related
Part 5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NX6yKJzjuMo&feature=related

I believe there's also a series on Marine One as well, but can't find it.

Enjoy! :)

[William Bradley]

Yea those are some great links Maikha,

The part where they discuss President Bush's secret trip to see the troops is amazing. 'Disguising Air Force One as Gulfstream"

[Scott K]

Does anyone know what fighters will be escorting Air Force 1?

[Jaryd stock]

None, there is only a fighter escort if the President is in danger or is flying into a hot spot say Iraq or Afganistan.
In 2001 after the terroist attacks when top brass thought AF1 was in danger they put a couple of F-16's up for protection. RAAF will be flying there own fighters here while Obama is on the ground...

[Craig Murray]

Reach 366, a C-17A (http://jetphotos.net/showphotos.php?regsearch=00-0179),was just eyballed overflying Brisbane at high altitude heading South. The flight is most likely related to the topic at hand.

[Jaryd stock]

Reach 366 went into Richmond last night. Darwins turn today with a couple of C-17's arriving from Yokota AFB in Japan.

[Rod Sloan]

None, there is only a fighter escort if the President is in danger or is flying into a hot spot say Iraq or Afganistan.


In 2003 when Bush came to Canberra AF! was escorted in by 2 Hornets, one each side. They escorted AF1 down to touchdown and then they peeled off.
So, lets hope they do this again :)

(BTW Canberra isn't a hotspot..so myth busted)

[Jaryd stock]

They were our hornets though wern't they Rod they don't bring there own, that's what im getting at. Our hornets will be up when he arrives as i've brought up in that previous post you have quoted....

[Rod Sloan]

ok..maybe my bad. I read it as escort period..ours or theirs. :)

[Rod Sloan]

If you are interested...if AF1 lands RWY35 you may pick it up here (http://www.canberraairport.com.au/air_newTerminal/webcam.cfm) if you are vigilant

And of course the liveATC feed can be found here (http://www.liveatc.net/search/?icao=yscb)

Enjoy :)

[Jaryd stock]

3:25pm is the arrival time the media are saying the President will be in Canberra, and leaving 12:25 to Darwin on Thursday...

[Peter Agatsiotis]

SBS and PP have Delta (or ex Delta?) B763 N1609 appr SYD VOR descending thru FL370; probably media a/c heading for CBR?

[Peter Agatsiotis]

Wasn't he meant to go to the President's cup golf thingy in MEL?

[Rowan McKeever]

N1609 is a current Delta, and wingletted... be nice if it is CBR-bound!

[Jaryd stock]

Spewning I knew I should have gone down ah well tomorrow...

[Rowan McKeever]

From Webtrak DAL8859 touched down in CBR just after 1240L. Flightaware confirms it flew non-stop from HNL.

I know I'm going to regret this but I'm SOOOO driving past the airport on the way home from work!

[BernieL]

Does anyone in Canberra know if the parking lots are still accessible for spotting? I am at the airport and was thinking of taking a bit of a walk.

[Zac M]

They should be...Glenora Drive is however closed for the duration of the visit

[BernieL]

Excellent news. I'll post the shots once I've got them.

[Jaryd stock]

SAM 044 the C-22 (757) due in after AF1 arrives not sure of time...

[John T]

is there any possible spotting locations today at canberra? eg the brindabella business park carpark or somewhere that is not blocked by security/road closures?

[Zac M]

Carpark in the business park should be accessible

[Michael Mak]

Just heard it transferred to Melbourne Centre 125.0, not far away now!

[Zac M]

Running early apparently...I'm currently listening to Canberra Tower/Approach, sounds like there are some F/A-18s airbourne for the escort in.

[Michael Mak]

It's now with Canberra Approach, it will land on Runway 35 at this stage.

[Rowan McKeever]

How come when the Queen's 777 commenced descent it couldn't be heard on radio, but AF1 seems not to be like that?

[Zac M]

and over to tower.

[JamesW]

How come when the Queen's 777 commenced descent it couldn't be heard on radio, but AF1 seems not to be like that?

I heard the BA 777 fine of LiveATC, until when they were on short finals, and probally lost LOS with the ATC reciever.

[Jaryd stock]

What serial number was he flying SAM 28 or 29000 ?

[Andi O]

Any idea where the back up VC-25 is?

[Jayden Laing]

Jaryd,
Its SAM 28

Andi,
Not sure about the back up VC-25 but the E-4 landed in Brisbane about 30mins ago

[Zac M]

It's 28000

[Jaryd stock]

Thanks Zac, Check your pm's Zac I sent one... Cheers.

[Jaryd stock]

Backup could be in Nowra maybe it's close enough....

[Andi O]

I think they would struggle to get a 747 into Nowra. I notice a C-32 in Canberra shortly. Maybe this is the back up for this visit?

[Jaryd stock]

C-32 is always along on trips with VC-25's along with the E-4 according to a book I have entitled Air Force One funnily enough. Why would they struggle at Nowra with a light 747 ?

[James Simpson]

I did see what looked like a C-20C Gulfstream out at richmond on tuesday arvo. It did have United States of America on it.

[Jaryd stock]

There's already a post on the C-20 earlier in this thread... There were some USAF C-17's in to Amberly earlier in the week may of headed there...

[James Simpson]

ooops... sorry.

[Jaryd stock]

All good James.... I'm thinking of heading down tomorrow to catch a shot of her on her way out anyone got an idea best location that will not be inhibited by security blocks or is easy to get to. Never been there so any advice would be helpful....thanks.

[Todd Milton]

My result of SAM 28000 "Air Force One".

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6213/6349101911_8757509cdc_z.jpg (http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6213/6349101911_be19f8bc9b_o.jpg)

[Rod Sloan]

and mine here (http://twitpic.com/7esv6b/full)

[Scott K]

Did any of our Hornets escort her in?

[lloyd fox]

2 C 17'S and the E4 are currently in BNE.

[Zac M]

RE: The hornets, not sure what happened at the landing but they have been circling the City since about midday, can't see them as they are stuck in the clouds.

[Kim F]

http://www.kimjfitzgerald.com/potus.html

My shots here plus the motorcade!

[James Simpson]

I think our Hornets only escorted AF1 after it reached Australian air space.

[patrick woodward]

Hornets remained and remain to this time overhead the Canberra area.. at high altitude. Rotating in and out of military establishment on the NSW South Coast.

Cheers

[Jaryd stock]

I know the KC-30 is ramping up IOC but is it supporting our hornet's in the air with the hose and drouge system ? There was meant to be an omega aircraft come down but went tech and not able to attend...

[Radi K]

Nice shots guys! So shiny! Very nice.

[Rowan McKeever]

Morning All!

Does anyone know when the DL and the PM's aircraft are leaving CBR? I'm assuming they will go ahead of AF1?

Cheers!
Rowan :)

[Christopher Cundle]

The DL is due to leave in 10-12 mins then the PM will leave after DL but before AF1

[Jaryd stock]

N1609 the 767 just departed for Darwin. SAM 044 C-32 due to leave at 12:35...
Glorious day down here today glad I made it

[Drew H]

SAM 43, Stallion 82, and Reach 366 all departed Richmond a shortish time ago.

[chrisb]

The DL is due to leave in 10-12 mins then the PM will leave after DL but before AF1

I would have hoped the PM would have been offered a ride on AF1!

[Michael Mak]

Just heard Air Force One on Melbourne Centre, been cleared direct to Broken Hill.

[Rowan McKeever]

Thanks guys! Did any of you happen to catch the DL 767's callsign/flight number? Was DL8859 yesterday on arrival.

Cheers
Rowan

[A McLaughlin]

KC-30 is not operational, and has not been cleared to refuel any Australian aircraft yet. No Omega = no tanker.

[A McLaughlin]

All this crap about the PM not being offered a ride on AF-1....the talkback shock jocks are making a meal of it on Sydney radio this arvo too...

Has anyone thought that the CBR-DRW flight might, a) be an opportunity for Obama to catch up on some US domestic work while in the air or, b) be a chance to catch up on some sleep?

If the PM is onboard, it'd be hard for him to do either!

[Rowan McKeever]

Not to mention A36-002 has to go up to DRW & DPS anyway...

[Jaryd stock]

Here are some photo's of Air Force One's departure today. Thanks to Zac for showing me around.....

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6238/6352175713_142e2efc35_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6047/6352161489_2b05e6af49_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6114/6352898740_ea7c6616ee_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6212/6352888782_74894d4840_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6227/6352148813_48668fc2c5_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6040/6352210085_af1e417aae_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6097/6352197317_3d0bb2d01c_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6233/6352187175_31019b6b3a_b.jpg

Thanks again Zac.....

[Jaryd stock]

Forgot to say never have i seen an aircraft so clean....

[Jaryd stock]

Don't know if here for presidents vist but a KC-10A just arrived from Hickham at Richmond. Number 30079 McGuire AFB.

[Jaryd stock]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6224/6355946721_84f8babcf9_b.jpg

Arriving today, spent about 10 minutes on R28 before taxing off.

[Philip Argy]

Forgot to say never have i seen an aircraft so clean....

Yes, the polished nacelles are very impressive.

[lloyd fox]

The KC10 went thru BNE this afternoon to HIK.

Brisbane ended up with 7 aircraft arrival movements with 6 different aircraft.

Yes SAM 043 came through twice.

[Zac M]

My efforts from Thursday:
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6098/6351938479_88fe227c63_b.jpg
Delta B763 N1609
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6105/6351938555_9e070c9d39_b.jpg
Julia heading out on RAAF BBJ A37-002
http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6226/6351938655_f3e2881ed3_b.jpg
SAM28000 rolling on Runway 35 as Air Force 1
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6218/6351938757_5b7d62ce8e_b.jpg
SAM8001 operating as SAM044
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6115/6351938853_796122efdc_b.jpg
First departure after the airspace shutdown, Virgin ATR VH-FVH 'Four Mile Beach'
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6227/6351938941_7e587674cf_b.jpg
Virgin 738 VH-VUV 'Ruby Blue' follows behind.
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6116/6352682090_eefe216045_b.jpg
Another unusual visitor to Canberra on this particular day was Dash 8-200 VH-TQG 'Pixie Rourke'
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6060/6352682154_d8e5a68290_b.jpg
and again

thanks, hope you all enjoyed viewing

[Rod Sloan]

Zac, you must have been just a few cars down from me.

[Jaryd stock]

Not really worthy of a new thread but that doco that Maikha Ly mentioned earlier in this post, based on Airforce 1 is on again on Sunday night channel 7 at 6:30 it's quite interesting...

[Neerav Bhatt]

You guys are so lucky getting close up shots of Air Force One

I was in Canberra that week covering aspects of the Presidential visit for a security news website

Didn't manage to get a press pass for Air Force One landing/taking off :-( but did get security clearance for his visit to the US Embassy so I saw him and "The Beast" aka Cadillac One

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6218/6351619223_2845e5758f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/neeravbhatt/6351619223/)
President Barack Obama Tree Dedication Ceremony at US Embassy Canberra, Australia (http://www.flickr.com/photos/neeravbhatt/6351619223/) by neeravbhatt (http://www.flickr.com/people/neeravbhatt/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7150/6435857055_8d184bf7ec.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/neeravbhatt/6435857055/)
The Beast - Cadillac One - President Barack Obama Tree Dedication Ceremony at US Embassy Canberra, Australia (http://www.flickr.com/photos/neeravbhatt/6435857055/) by neeravbhatt (http://www.flickr.com/people/neeravbhatt/), on Flickr