A great spotting week at KCLE!

This has been a great week for spotting at Cleveland Hopkins Airport!

First, we had a visit by Air Force One on 7/23. The day was the not the greatest for photography due to the weather because it was overcast with low clouds and rain. Thankfully, the rain stopped in time for Air Force One's arrival. The added moisture in the air was wonderful for vapor and vortices! Despite popular opinion, I love shooting planes in the rain!

President Obama was in town to visit the Cleveland Clinic and sell his Health Care Reform plan. So while he was away, Air Force One sat on Atlantic's ramp getting attended to.

Of course, with the arrival of the President and Air Force One, there's always other interesting craft that show up as well. A USCG Dolphin provided air support. A C-17 from McGuire AFB was present to take the motorcade. And a second C-17 from Dover AFB arrived after the President's departure to take other equipment.

The next day, a Saudi 747SP came to Cleveland to pickup someone before heading to Paris non-stop. A fellow "Opshotter", Paul, found some interesting statistics regarding the 747SP. Only 45 planes were built, 16 are still active, 18 have been scrapped and the remaining 11 are either being stored, derelict or being repaired. ( see Opshots for info and link) So this was a rare sight indeed!

For further photos, please see the main AoA Photo site here.