Air Force One Performs Daytona 500 Flyover

Guys - let's face it- AF1 is an awesome, inspiring aircraft. And that flyover, planned, but a surprise to the crowd, was amazing. Very cool, looks cool, sounds cool, and taking a lap in the limo was legit.
Let's keep the politics out of it, huh?

This posting and the subsequent comments are far too pollical and take away from the real point of the "FLIGHT AWARE"website, which is to discuss aircraft,airlines,issues that come up in that area such as crashes,seats that are too small,737max problems and the like,as wel as things about airline mileage programs,airline policies or yes,even some "heartwarming" passenger stories..AF1 is a beautiful aircraft to watch,as were all of the 747's..like a big whale floating gracefully by..(I saw it once)but it is not a political toy,nor the personal property of the president,no matter who he might be.."nuff said"...

lol. Trump Campaign tweeted a photo of AF1 doing the same thing in 2004....

Why is this feed even here as the picture heading the article is from President Bush's 2004 visit?

Politics aside, that was a heck of a sweet flyover and what a way to make an entrance!

The flyby was cool though I missed it when it happened. That said, it does not matter which photo was used for the article. That AF1 was at Daytona International Airport on the day of the 500 is. The photo of Bush leaving Daytona was after the race had already started. The photo of AF1 landing at Daytona with Trump was prior to the start of the race and as such, the stands would be much emptier. The fans would be in the tri-oval or BBQing or visiting the souvenier trailers in the hours before the race and when Trump flew over and landed. If you had ever been to a race, you would know the stands do not fill up until the green flag falls and even then there are people trickling in.

As far as the flyover, the FAA can grant waivers to professional pilots such as the ones who fly that plane and for lower altitudes. We all know what NOTAMs are and how they are put into effect. There was one for no drones around the speedway, but FoxSports got approval to fly one at the track and was used to take video of The Beast as it circled the track.

As others have said, this isn't the first time and it will not be the last that AF1 does a flyover. If yhou want to bitch about it, then tell your Senators that you do not want any flyovers of any military aircraft at sporting events you enjoy or attend.

I know it was awesome when 4 AH-64 Apaches flew around the track at Atlanta for Richard Petty's last race in 92. I was able to look down into the cockpit as they were not more than 50' above the track surface as they flew a lap around it.

Isn't this the photo that was confirmed to be from 2004?

Is this becoming a Dear Abby stand In??

Apparently those posting here either don’t know, forgot, or were too young to remember, but AF1 w/Pres. Reagan aboard made an appearance in 1984 at the Daytona Firecracker 400.
While on final approach to Daytona Intl Airport, he announced,”gentlemen, start your engines”.
Just prior to touchdown, and still airborne, that beautiful aircraft was caught by an alert photographer with Richard Petty’s car coming down the backstretch in the foreground.
This visit by the POTUS may have been for political reasons, but it generated one of the most historical photos ever taken of AF1!
Petty ended up winning the race, and Reagan shook hands and congratulated him afterwards.

Oh geez, people get a grip.
First, this wasn't a "surprise" flyover as everyone thinks. Track owner and organizers worked this flyover in as part of the pre-race excitement.
Second there is no way President Trump was on board, as the protocols would not allow it. Did anyone see him leave the plane following the flyover? No. That's because he was elsewhere getting ready to arrive, do the Grand Marshall duties and do the parade lap in The Beast.

keep upvoting this i wanna get the trendsetter achievement

That photo is from 2004 When Pres Bush visited the Daytona 500.
End of comments.

The prettiest plane in the World, Melanie one of the prettiest Ladies in the world. Most people enjoyed the little show, I sure did.

I was at Kitty Hawk for the 100th anniversary of flight wheb G.W. made a low pass in VMC at a few hundred feet over the festivities. It was an awesome display of taxpayer dollars in use and I rather enjoyed it.

Kim Jung Un is wetting his pants.

Awesome demonstration, AF1 is certainly a clear demonstration of air power, besides being the one and only aircraft the our great president flies. Well done to the crew and pilots that flight this beauty

I love it, wish I was there to have seen it.

We Flight Instructors follow and teach 14 CFR 91.119, but it looks like it’s OK for civilian trump to violate Federal Law that states the minimum safe altitude over congested areas is 1000’ above highest obstacle.

Good lord what have i done...

oh good

There are many forums where political opinions and comments are appropriate and welcomed. This should not be one of them.

Pride comes before a fall.

Pity Leni Riefenstahl is not longer alive to film it, eh?

wuuaaaoo! That flyover is really unique … I wish I was there

It’s interesting to me that, while so many people enjoy and take a lot of pride in AF1, the president wants to change the paint scheme. I don’t know if it’s really going to happen, but if you look closely at his desk in the Oval Office there is a model of a B747 with a different paint scheme.

Is it time for a new paint job for AF1?

the problem is the America-hating liberals dont like it.....so it obviously has to be banned.

That was so cool!

Our tax dollars at work!

This president makes his own rules.

A redneck knows what rednecks love, what a political stunt, obvious to anyone not enjoying Miller time!

I am no fan of Trump. This post is political and has no place on FlightAware. And besides, it is just another bald-faced lie. The picture dates from 2004 and President George Bush. The Bush family, and most other past Presidents, did not make a habit of lying to the people, as does the current inhabitant of the White House. FlightAware should issue a retraction, and then let's all stick to technology and a celebration of aviation progress.

Bet the Marine Colonel who just lost his Squadron and his wings is wondering WTF. Leadership is set from the top . ie CIC...so hopefully he gets reinstated or AF1 PIC loses his wings.

SMH.

OK, fine, fly over (this constant promotion of the military is getting really old; we all know we need them and we appreciate their service, but we don't have to make every football, baseball, or racing game about flag-waving). Yes, it's a lovely aircraft, and awesome in flight at that altitude. Woo hoo.

But to link to Breitbart and the far-right wackos flaming everyone they think is too "librul" for their liking, when this is an aviation squawk list, was a bad editorial decision on the part of whoever does the links for FlightAware.

Maybe just stick to the facts next time, show the video, and send the MAGA-hatters somewhere else.

AF1 fly over!!!!


Awesome!!!

Was this fly by, fly over even legal? Looks pretty low and close to buildings and people. Glad it worked out.

can some one please post a picture of air force one going by the King Richard Petty thank you