How To Find Out Where A VIP Is Landing

[BeagleOne]

So Mrs. Obama is going to be in my area this week, at a private event. I'm interested in finding out where she will be landing because I want to see the plane...the little city where she'll be has a small airport, but two airports in the nearby area can accommodate much larger planes. I've searched for NOTAMs and TFRs, and the FAA website and no luck. Anyone know where I can find out where she'll be landing, and what plane she'll be in?

By "no luck" I mean no luck related to this particular trip...I have found plenty of NOTAMs and TFRs, though! :)

Thanks!

[Mike Switzer]

Drive around a few days before & look for black SUVs. I doubt if they will be going anyplace that does not have a full perimeter fence.

[BeagleOne]

Good idea, except the small airport is an hour from here and one of the big airports is about 90 minutes away...thinking my local regional airport is more likely for security and transport reasons. She could get from "my" local airport to the event in about 40 minutes with a motorcade, and the prez has been here before. I just can't seem to find the NOTAMs/TFRs this time.

[Mike Switzer]

If their isn't a field office nearby they deliver the vehicles in advance with a C130 or similar. Any pilots hangared at the affected airport probably already have been notified of additional security, so you might ask around. Also the airport in question will have plenty of instrument approaches & on site emergency responders.

[BeagleOne]

Thanks, I called the FBOs at the small airport and "my" airport. Neither had heard anything about it. Makes me think she's going into the airport that's 90-120 minutes from here depending on traffic, and where I don't know the best viewing spots. Will keep hunting and calling around!

[Bill]

Since its now a matter of public record that Michelle Obama is going to Watertown, WI on Thursday to speak at Watertown High School, which is about midway between Madison and Milwaukee, either would be able to accommodate the aircraft she's likely to use. Madison Truax Field has the 115th Fighter Wing, and Milwaukee's Mitchell Field has the 128th Air Refueling Wing so there's adequate support facilities at either airport. Air Force One has been into Mitchell Field several times, but I don't think that's an indication that she must be landing there since she may well be on one of the C-32s (B-757) which can land at either field. So I'd say its 50/50 between Madison and Milwaukee right now.

Either airport has good viewing areas.

[BeagleOne]

Where are the good viewing areas at MKE, Bill? I know MSN pretty well but not MKE...not that I'm likely to drive that far, but I'm curious.

I'd also think the FBO at MSN would have heard something by now...but maybe it was just the person I spoke with on the phone.

Thanks!

[Bill]

I think that the overall best viewing will be a public viewing area on Layton Avenue North of MKE that is midway between Howell Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue (you can't tell whether a road runs North and South or East and West around there, they're almost all avenues). Its right on the departure end of 1L and I do mean right on. You're just a couple hundred feet from the end of 1L/19R, which is the main MKE runway. Back in the days when we (128ARG) had KC-135As with J-57s, we nearly took out the fence where you'll be on a couple of hot days with max payloads even with water injection.

If you come from the West along Layton, the viewing area is just beyond Signature Flight Support on the South side of Layton. You'll also see the Packing House restaurant on the North. After you see Michelle arrive and if you are hungry, the Packing House has had excellent food for the last 30+ years. It and DeSalvo's (since torn down) were the favorite eating and drinking holes of the 128th ARG.

[Mike M]

please, please, put it in writing that y'all aren't looking for a manpad launch site. please.

[BeagleOne]

Thanks Bill! IDK if I will make it to MKE on Thursday (if that's where she's coming in) as I only have a few hours open in the afternoon...but I will definitely keep your viewing info handy!

[BeagleOne]

I saw her 757 at MSN this afternoon as I was driving past the airport. Never did find a NOTAM or TFR about the trip, though.

[AStelloh]

They added a new observation area on 6th street right by 7R at MKE. So there are two now one at the end of 19R the other at the end of 7R. Although the only thing is when a VIP comes into MKE they gate off the observation areas and patrol the perimeter of the arpt. Chances are you wont get that close. One thing that may work which i believe is the best viewing spot is the top level of parking structure. its free under 1/2 hour and like 3$ an hour. I used to work at MKE and took my lunch on the top floor of parking structure :)