Air Force 2 and Apache "A" Model

Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF

01/15/2004 07:17:29 PM · #1

Vice President Dick Cheney flew into Arizona today. I was able to get to the airport where he landed for some photos. During his landing and before the motorcade left, there was no way to get a really good shot of the airplane, so I went around to the back side of the airport after he left. We found the closest parking area/fence to the airplane (which happened to be the Airport Communications Parking lot next to the tower) and I got some shots through the fence. There wasn't any 'no trespassing' or 'do not enter' signs, so we didn't do anything against the rules. That parking area was all fenced off from the airport itself. However, I did see 'Men in Black' standing up at the tower as we walked by. Shortly after that some friendly police stopped by and asked us to move along. I was trying to be quick, so unfornately my shots ended up looking like snapshots. Thought I'd share them anyway. Opinions/critique are welcome :-)

faidoi

Pentax K10D

01/15/2004 08:27:12 PM · #2

How far away were you from AF2 what type of lense did you use? Looks like you're having some great weather in Arizona.

Snaps? Sigh. Those shots are awesome.

Was the Apache an escort for AF2?

01/15/2004 08:44:40 PM · #3

faidoi - Thanks for the comments!! :-)

I'm not certain our distance from the aircraft... I can say we were more than 100 yards, but less than 1/4 mile from AF2 - I was using my 75-300 lens and that shot was taken at 230mm.

We were much closer to the Apache than that and I used my 18-55mm lens. The Apache was parked there, Boeing has a facility right next to that and they work on the Apaches. It was more than likely in for repairs.

Outside of that, it was an interesting day at the airport. A lot of A-7's and T-37's/F-6's and there was a C-130 with Netherland's markings on it as well. Didn't get pictures of everything, lighting was not to my advantage due to time and security was noticably tighter today. :-) I will more than likely go back tomorrow and try for some of the aircraft we saw today.

Edit: The AF2 shown in this post is actually 3 photos stitched together.

Message edited by author 2004-01-15 20:45:35.

MusicAngel

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

01/18/2004 12:12:23 AM · #4

I think you're lucky you didnt get in some trouble ;-) people at airports can get freaked out if someone has a camera near their planes sometimes. But nice shots!

Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF

01/18/2004 12:24:15 AM · #5

No reason to get in trouble... it's a public airport and we weren't anywhere illegal either. Most people I've known that have airplanes, or just pilots, love having their picture taken.

Even the squadron of F-18C's we saw the next day. The Colonel actually approached us after landing and asked us onto the flight deck to take their picture. Marine F-18 Hornets

Unfortunately it was a bad day for photos (haze) and it was late afternoon...

faidoi

Pentax K10D

01/18/2004 04:36:46 AM · #6

Originally posted by tfaust:

Even the squadron of F-18C's we saw the next day. The Colonel actually approached us after landing and asked us onto the flight deck to take their picture. Marine F-18 Hornets

Unfortunately it was a bad day for photos (haze) and it was late afternoon...

What an incredible opportunity. There a bunch of great pictures. I really like the first one. The picture of the nose of the plane. Love the capture of the heat exhaust.

Hazy weather here in S.F all the time :)

Message edited by author 2004-01-18 04:38:14.