The White House executed a dramatic low flyover of the presidential aircraft, Air Force One, over Washington D.C. during a Halloween event, an action that startled residents and drew criticism for its proximity to the ground and lack of advance notice.
The Boeing 747-8, which President Donald Trump was aboard, flew over the White House on Thursday afternoon, an event captured in videos posted by White House-affiliated accounts. The Rapid Response 47 X account described it as an "epic Air Force One flyover at the White House for the trick-or-treaters!" while another White House post hailed it as a "special Halloween flyover."
According to flight data reviewed by The Washington Post, the aircraft flew at altitudes between approximately 400 feet and 1,000 feet. The Federal Aviation Administration's guidelines recommend a minimum safe altitude of 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle over any congested area of a city.
The flyover was coordinated with the FAA, but it occurred with minimal advance notification. The Council of D.C. reported on X that only 15 minutes' notice was given to areas including downtown D.C., the Pentagon, and National Airport, adding that the event "startled many, including us."
For many in Washington, the low-flying jet evoked memories of the September 11, 2001 attacks, when a plane crashed into the Pentagon. Residents took to social media to express their shock and anxiety. "I’m used to flyovers in DC but this one scared me," one user wrote on X. "Seeing a passenger jet flying low overhead here would be quite a bad sign!" Another described having "a mini heart attack along with everyone else on the street."
Pilots monitoring air traffic also expressed surprise and concern. Recordings reviewed by The Post included a pilot asking, "How many more fly-bys is he doing?" with another responding, "Hopefully that’s the last."
The aircraft used for the flyover was identified as the $400 million Boeing 747-8 luxury jet, a gift from the Qatari royal family.