On Aug 30, 10:09 am, Mxsmanic wrote:
Ricky writes:
It is also fortunate that the general public can walk up to AFO while
it's parked at the tower and get just about right under the wingtip,
outside of the rope which surrounds it. This truly is one beauty of a
747. Photos are welcomed as well during this time.

Why is this fortunate?

Well, most folks around here appreciate the opportunity to walk right
up to AFO, see the pretty plane, take pictures etc...as did I.

Isn't the USA still a democracy? Is there some reason
why you _shouldn't_ be able to do these things? Is the President a civil
servant or a deity?

Sure, but he's also well protected since 9-11 especially.

I have heard stories of student pilots trapped out in the TSTC
practice areas in the 95-100 degree Tx. sun in their 152s or Katanas
while Bush comes & goes, even having to divert to Hillsboro or Mexia
due to fuel concerns.

They can declare an emergency if necessary, which takes precedence even over
the President.

I don't know. The Air Force does not operate under FAA rules, do they?
Especially during presidential arrivals/departures.
I have the feeling that even an emergency would be told to go
somewhere else OR the fighters would see to it that the emergency was
taken care of without getting near Bush.

Handshakes & autographs? Out of the question. All human beings are
ordered away. The consequnce will not be an FBO denied business,
however, it will likely be a high-powered rifle bullet to the head!

If you are commanded to genuflect or salivate, do you do that, too?

Whatever.

Ricky