Low Flying Planes Cause Panic and Evacuations in NYC Metro Area

The FAA says that there is nothing to be worried about as a military flight was engaged in low level flight along the Hudson River today. They say it was preplanned photo shoot and local authorities were aware of the flight, although that didn't exactly soothe frayed nerves of those who saw the flight, which appeared to be a plane with the markings and characteristics of Air Force One and a fighter escort.

When the President isn’t on board, that plane wouldn't be called Air Force One but SAM28000 or SAM29000 (the tail number). Only when the President is on board will they change the call signal on the flight. Since the USAF flies the planes, they can call it a military flight. It could be a new crew familiarizing itself with the NYC metro area for later flights to the region.

It's also possible that they were conducting the flight and taking photos for a US Air Force promotion to run at a later date.

UPDATE:
Here's video:



UPDATE:
Don't these guys know not to buzz the tower?! And yes, I know that this was the USAF whereas Top Gun was USN, but on general principle, it might have been to coordinate activities with the people in the NY metro area instead of causing panic and lots of jittery nerves in these parts.



UPDATE:
All this craziness because the White House wanted to update the file photo of Air Force One over some of the nation's famous landmarks. Why exactly is that a good use of our tax dollars? How much fuel did that little jaunt cost? What about the carbon emissions?

The landmarks haven't changed. Neither has the aircraft. There was no need for this. I might have a different take if they were doing a US Air Force commercial involving AF1, but that wasn't the case. This was a needless waste.