Having been involved with Flight Simulation software over the years, I’ve been taking pictures of aircraft for some time now. My collection includes thousands of aircraft photos and one of my favorite group are the pictures of Air Force One that I’ve captured.

Air Force One is the huge Boeing 747 that flies the President of the United States to various places around the world. It’s easily recognizable by its distinctive blue and while colors.

Air Force One has visited Grand Rapids many times. And since our offices are only 300 yards from the airport, it’s but a short walk to the runway’s threshold. The airport is bi-partisan – President Obama, President Bush, President Ford and others have flown to Grand Rapids.

Security is a major concern wherever the President flies. This surveillance helicopter is surveying the area ahead of the President’s incoming aircraft. Two minutes later an unmarked SUV pulls up in front on me and out jump three Michigan State Troopers all outfitted with bullet proof vests and carrying quite large weapons. One of the State Troopers ask me to leave the area explaining that the Secret Service gets nervous when they see long lenses on hillsides close to the airport. Without much hesitation I gather my camera and scanner and leave the area as requested.

As I’m walking, a the voice of the air traffic controller on my scanner says “the airport has been locked down – Air Force One is ten minutes out“. I dodge the car traffic while crossing the main road to search for an alternate vantage point from which to take pictures – away from the security personnel. A few minutes later as I’m looking at the sky to the West, I can see lights above the horizon. It’s Air Force One – I can tell by the shape of the aircraft.

In the final few seconds I make my last check of the camera settings. The skies are heavily overcast. I’m using an 80-400mm lens, not a speed demon: ISO-1600; Shutter-Priority Mode; 1/1000 sec; Auto Focus on; Vibration Reduction off; Shooting Mode Continuous High Speed. Air Force One is closing in quickly.

Extended to 400mm, there’s quite a bit of camera shake so I plant my feet firmly to steady myself. My left hand is on the zoom ring. With this lens, I know that the aircraft will more than fill the frame at 400mm so I’m ready to zoom out as the plane passes. Here we go. Snap, snap, snap.

I rattle off about twelve shots in the four or five seconds during which I have a clear view of the monster plane. Unfortunately, I’m unable to see Air Force One touch down due to the trees blocking my view from this location. Oh well, maybe next time. Anyway, despite my handicapped location, I manage to take away a few keepers.

President Obama aboard Air Force One June 7, 2010

Here’s a few other photos that I’ve taken of Air Force One in the past.

This photo was taken with a quick point-and-shoot camera in January 2003. As you can see, this was not a planned shot.

President George Bush aboard Air Force One landing in Grand Rapids on April 21, 2007.

While this is the same aircraft as above, it’s called SAM28000 (Special Air Mission) when the President is not aboard. Instead, SAM28000 is carrying the casket of former President Gerald R Ford back to Grand Rapids for burial in January 2007.

Here Air Force One sitting on the tarmac at McCarran Internationl Airport in Las Vegas February 2, 2007.

 

It’s been exciting for me to see such a gorgeous aircraft making its approach to landing. I’m glad I was able to capture them on film.

 

Written by Arnie Lee

 

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