Air Force One flies low over D.C. for White House Halloween event
The $400 million jet executed two passes at altitudes as low as 400 feet, startling residents with only 15 minutes' advance warning.
By Aisha Saeed ·
Residents in Washington, D.C., faced a startling disruption on Thursday when Air Force One executed two low-altitude passes over the city center. The flights occurred during a White House Halloween event and dropped to altitudes as low as 400 feet, leaving many on the ground feeling unsettled by the proximity of the aircraft.
The aircraft involved was a Boeing 747-8 valued at $400 million, a gift from the Qatari royal family. According to flight data reviewed by The Washington Post, the plane flew between 400 and 1,000 feet above the ground. This range falls below the Federal Aviation Administration's standard minimum safe altitude of 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle for congested urban areas.
The White House promoted the event on social media, describing the flyover as an "epic" moment for trick-or-treaters. One post from the Rapid Response 47 account showed the plane flying next to the Washington Monument. Another caption described the maneuver as a "special Halloween flyover," using pumpkin and airplane emojis to frame the spectacle.
Communication with the public was limited. The Council of DC, which monitors local aviation activity, reported that officials provided only 15 minutes' notice to stakeholders in downtown D.C., the Pentagon, and National Airport. The group stated that the suddenness of the flights "startled many" observers and participants in the district.
Pilots also expressed frustration over the maneuver. In a recording reviewed by The Washington Post and originally posted to ATC.com, one pilot asked, "How many more fly-bys is he doing?" A second pilot responded, "Hopefully that's the last." An FAA spokesperson confirmed to The Post that the agency coordinated the flight plan with the White House.
The low passes carried emotional weight for some residents given the history of the Pentagon crash during the September 11, 2001 attacks, which killed 184 people. Several locals took to social media to share their anxiety, noting that the sound and visual presence of the jet felt reminiscent of that day rather than a festive holiday celebration.
Source: HuffPost
