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United States Pilots Association |
It was more than a TFR at Las Cruces, NM, International Airport last week when a C-17 accompanying Air Force One created ruts more than 2,500’ long backing up to get in position for takeoff. Damage is estimated at $1 million.
According to airport manager Theresa Cook, the President’s team was warned that the asphalt runway (on a hot summer day) might not handle the weight of the planes in the entourage. The C-32-A carrying Bush landed and took off without a problem. But the C-17 backed up for almost half the length of the affected runway, cutting ruts about 2” – 4” deep. The runway was closed immediately, and the military is expected to pay for repairs.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association