Air Force One
 

While waiting to meet my wife at the Tampa airport today I noticed AF1 parked across the field awaiting our 'fearless' leader.

Sure enough, just as the aircraft she was On was about to land 'W' shows up and the aircraft she was on had to execute an immediate go around as all aircraft movements were then halted.

I have never understood why AF1 cannot go to military air bases, there is usually one nearby and the visits would cause far less disruption, (in this case Macdill airforce base is just a few miles away)

Of course I am a mere taxpayer, though I didn't vote for the idiot.

Anyway this is a rather long winded way of getting to my question.

I noticed as AFI lifted off he performed an extremely slow, exaggerated rotation and climbed out at a very shallow angle.

It was obvious that he was not heavy, headed only for Washington, indeed they only used about 4-5000 ft to get airborne.

I don't understand the need for that procedure, and to climb out at such a high speed, obviously well above V2 +10.

But I am just a civilian Airline pilot.

Anyone with a clue, I would be interested.

Usually the Secret Service chooses the closest civilian International airport to the destination in order to have the shortest/most secure route available for the motorcade upon arrival.

There are also concerns with civilian accommodations - as the President often travels with a large group of the media and some VIPs, the choice of using a civilian airport instead of an air base for these trips allows the USAF to maintain base security.

Press coverage and welcoming ceremonies with local dignitaries are also more accessible when it occurs at a civilian facility.

Don't know about aircraft ops, but I can tell you that the number one priority of the PIC is the safety of the airplane and it's occupants - not unlike some other PICs around here, I would think.:ok:

This is a complete stab in the dark - guess work only.
Could it be the extra speed and slow rotation is purely for "passenger comfort" or a smooth/smoother ride? The extra speed and slow rotation would surely enable the aircraft to "ease" into the air. This negates the high angle of attack of a 'normal' lift off and also allows the landing gear to extend nice and slowly which stops the big bump when they bottom out. While this technique is not the most efficient in terms of best rotation speed / initial climb performance, unlike airline ops, the taxpayer is filling the gas tank and the extra fuel burn/inefficiency is of no concern I'm sure.
Like I said - complete guesswork!
Maybe they had a tail wind?
:confused:

For the record, even if he'd gone to McDill, you would have been out of luck since McDill is less than 30nm away, which is what the Presidential No-Fly zone is.

Air tactics
 

I thought about posting a reply. But since this is a public forum and to give away air tactics might send someone a knocking. I will just say this is a common air tactic to stay out of harms way.

My guess is that the pilots have military background only and are used to fly a bit more freely than others. You hardly ever see a fighter jet taking off the most efficient way (unless noise abatement). They'd like to have a bit of fun, I would say.

Dani

>>For the record, even if he'd gone to McDill, you would have been out of luck since McDill is less than 30nm away, which is what the Presidential No-Fly zone is.<<

Ah, sorry, no.
The so-called no fly zone is ten miles, and certificated air carriers are exempt, as are others, so designated.
In fact, I have departed a nearby airport in my private aeroplane just as POTUS was passing overhead, 3000 feet above.
Not all that unusual.

http://www.flightlevel350.com/Aircra...ideo-3694.html

Not just takeoffs that are leisurely - did I detect a slight float here???

look at the trees, quite gusty too
 

I think he just went into hover mode.
The trees were blowing quite a lot, so perhaps he just did not like all the yellow tabards lining the runway.
Glf

...What is the " most efficient way " for a fighter jet to take off ?

{.. just curious} :hmm: