Au Revoir! Obama leaves the UK for France

United States Presidential Jumbo leaving Stansted Airport
on Thursday 26th May 2011

With President Obamas in-bound flight being rescheduled to last Monday night, my hope for being able to capture a decent day-time shot of Air Force 1 had been narrowed down to the departure flight for sometime this morning. Taking a gamble on the actual time, I arrived at the vantage point just as the helicopters dropped him back into Stansted Airport. How was that for judgement? Unlike on Monday, I was not alone at the spot chosen to photograph the Presidential aeroplanes.

Air Force 1 (80001)

Presidential plane for First Lady (20201)

Presdient Obama departed first, in Air Force 1 (C-32A) at 9.15 for France, with the First Lady following him shortly afterwards in a second plane. And you thought Air Force 1 was a Jumbo? Well, yes it can be, but the name Air Force 1 actually refers to the plane which carries the President and not a specific plane. Although it might be a talking point for a while to say I watched as the planes departed, neither of these planes were the one I really wanted to photograph. I decided to wait a little while longer and as anticipated the Jumbo 28000 rose from behind a line of trees.

Finally, a daylight opportunity to photograph this individual aircraft. However, in less than thirty seconds, it had passed by and was sweeping out into the cloudy sky, but unlike on Monday, I managed to get it pretty much right. (Would have been even better if I hadn't decided to leave my tripod in the car)

Reflecting at the end of President Obamas 2011 visit to the UK

My thanks go to the guys standing nearby me during this plane-spotting event, who, being tuned to aircraft frequency on their radio, kindly gave me the thumbs up when the action was due to happen.

Obama Slips into UK Under Cover of Darkness

C-32A

Air Force 1

All best laid plans...

Having planned my moves for the arrival of Barack Obama for Tuesday morning, yet again, it seems an Icelandic volcano is responsible for putting a spanner in the works. I remember going to a particular photographic location to document the lack of aircraft in the sky, after airspace was shut down last time due to an unpronounceable billowing cone. It was eerily silent but was actually delighted to hear the birdsong.

Monday night found me prematurely back at that spot, following the news that the Presidential arrival into the UK had been brought forward. This time, the location was unusually quiet due to temporary suspension of normal air movements but helicopters were already hovering. Practice shots taken earlier in daylight would not be much help now, but it would still be worth a try. I walked to my vantage point and no sooner had I set up the camera on the tripod, than an intense light caught my eye. Could this be it? I had hoped for a practice shot in the new lighting conditions, but no such luck. It was go for it, as at 22.15, Air Force 1 slipped surprisingly quietly down to the ground. Needless to say, there were all the usual issues which are clearly visible in the picture above. Not one I am proud of.

Knowing that AF1 is always accompanied by a back-up plane, I waited for a second shot. This time, a more interesting, slightly more artistic effect but there will be no awards for these I'm afraid. Just goes to prove I can't get it right all the time.

Thanks Grimsvotn volcano



(Judging by the amount of light visible from the windows, I somehow don't think Obama and his entourage were given the little speech-
"We will shortly be dimming the cabin lights. This is normal pactice when flying during the hours of darkness")