President Trump UK visit Jul 18
Some of our politicians petty blustering over whether POTUS visits and how much they are going to protest is simply childish and damaging to the UK’s long-term interests. Not surprising I guess, most of our politicians cannot take a long-term view of anything.
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Frankly I'm embarrassed by some of th infantile comments here from my fellow countrymen; if I was from USA I'd be unimpressed even if I'd voted for Hilary. "Vladimir Putin far more welcome here..."?? Seriously?
MPN11
I hope that is not another cheap dig at Civil ATC! When the POTUS visits UK, Air Force One always lands at Heathrow and is dealt with by ATC as just another movement. No Purple Airspace rubbish, no grounding everyone from '30 minutes before to 15 minutes after' - it is just another movement, I guess the only difference will be that it will not be required to hold if there are delays inbound.
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Not last time it wasn’t. I’ve had the dubious pleasure of being held up by AF1 and the war machine (they travel in pairs) on a couple of occasions in the U.K, once at LHR, in exactly the scenario you describe as not happening. On the first occasion in particular (UK but not LHR), it resulted in a number of diversions. They have their own way of operating (I seem to remember they informed ATC what they were doing and just did it on the first occasion).
My understanding is that when President O visited, he used Stansted as the chaos at LHR by President GWB was well documented.
My understanding is that when President O visited, he used Stansted as the chaos at LHR by President GWB was well documented.
Not Even Rescue Aircraft Can Fly When Air Force One Comes To Town - Business Insider
But then I guess there wouldn't be any 'Purple Airspace rubbish' for a Royal Flight outside the UK either?
Sorry Folks - having left LHR in 2000 I am not up to date. Certainly when Bill Clinton arrived for the Good Friday Agreement LHR was used - I was on duty the morning AF1 departed for Belfast and again when it arrived back the following morning. As I said above just another movement for LHR, London Control etc - as for the associated helicopters, a nightmare! Best to 'throw a sickie' rather that risk your licence with them!
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I hope that is not another cheap dig at Civil ATC! When the POTUS visits UK, Air Force One always lands at Heathrow and is dealt with by ATC as just another movement. No Purple Airspace rubbish, no grounding everyone from '30 minutes before to 15 minutes after' - it is just another movement, I guess the only difference will be that it will not be required to hold if there are delays inbound.
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Trouble is, HE doesn't treat his office with the dignity it deserves, so why should we bother? Don't forget, in Trumptonland, its all about HIM!!!
Oh, dear, if there's any sort of state procession, it looks like I'll have to take the trouble to attend if only to make my tiny point that the elected head of state of one of our greatest allies is welcome in our country.
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As I said elsewhere ----
We are hosting the elected (yes) President of the country which is our closest and longest standing ally in recent history. In my mind, that behoves us to welcome the incumbent and respect the individual's formal position. In politics we cannot choose our friends as we do in normal social life. Often there has to be a recognition that it is necessary to set aside (not ignore) individuals' failings in order to appreciate the wider picture. If we do not, and elect to follow the likes of Cable, Khan and all others who are baying for his blood, then we denigrate our own well established and respected democratic way of life. I do not warm to Mr Trump and dislike many of his public traits: but I will courteously welcome him as the elected representative of my friends in the US. After his short visit, I will hopefully be glad that he came, was accorded civility (and yes, I know that many will say he himself doesn't), and that I am able to wave a polite goodbye; with US and UK relationships intact.
We are hosting the elected (yes) President of the country which is our closest and longest standing ally in recent history. In my mind, that behoves us to welcome the incumbent and respect the individual's formal position. In politics we cannot choose our friends as we do in normal social life. Often there has to be a recognition that it is necessary to set aside (not ignore) individuals' failings in order to appreciate the wider picture. If we do not, and elect to follow the likes of Cable, Khan and all others who are baying for his blood, then we denigrate our own well established and respected democratic way of life. I do not warm to Mr Trump and dislike many of his public traits: but I will courteously welcome him as the elected representative of my friends in the US. After his short visit, I will hopefully be glad that he came, was accorded civility (and yes, I know that many will say he himself doesn't), and that I am able to wave a polite goodbye; with US and UK relationships intact.
Last edited by jindabyne; 28th Apr 2018 at 12:30.
Nigerian In Law
I personally think that the President, in his capacity as head of state of one of our greatest allies should be treated with respect commensurate with the dignity of his office
The fact that the man himself is a complete horse's ass should make no difference - after all we have accorded similar treatment to some much more sinister people in our time, as Shot One has pointed out. It is POTUS we are welcoming, not Donald Trump.
The fact that the man himself is a complete horse's ass should make no difference - after all we have accorded similar treatment to some much more sinister people in our time, as Shot One has pointed out. It is POTUS we are welcoming, not Donald Trump.
NEO
dead pan your #17
..except Farnborough will be holding its 2018 Airshow from Monday 16th July until 22nd July, so not very likely IMHO.
ISTR that the last time a president visited he landed at a USAF air-base in east Anglia and flew down to London in the presidential helicopter.
Farnborough could be an option if he wanted to fly the flag for US aerospace industry
ISTR that the last time a president visited he landed at a USAF air-base in east Anglia and flew down to London in the presidential helicopter.
Having had the dubious pleasure of having important & immovable business reasons (I was told) to be in that there London during visits to said place by the last four holders of POTUS office, all I will say as a 100% guaranteed prediction that no matter what airport in the bottom right corner of the country you may be trying to transit through, YOU WILL BE DELAYED at the pleasure of the fabled AF1 callsign, no matter if you or they are arriving or departing and no matter what airport they intend to use. Adding the blue silver and white dumbo (I'm not a 747 fan....) into the normal mix of extremely busy traffic just can't help but cause chaos.
My advice is that if you have no alternative to travel via one of the London airports as a POTUS visit starts or finishes, your best option, even if going longhaul, is give up and walk.
My advice is that if you have no alternative to travel via one of the London airports as a POTUS visit starts or finishes, your best option, even if going longhaul, is give up and walk.
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The American nuclear umbrella saves Little Britain from the Bear - hence LB will dance to the imposed tune. So say 'Yes Mr.President' and be grateful that Nato continues to save LB from the natural order. My tax dollars (not yours) at work.
Edit: 24,000 plus posts? Seek professional help - you need it. You're not and never will be 411A.
Edit: 24,000 plus posts? Seek professional help - you need it. You're not and never will be 411A.
Last edited by cvg2iln; 29th Apr 2018 at 05:07.
