Why is it so hard for G.W. to listen to warnings?  He was warned of Bin Laden wanting to attack America using jetliners, and he was warned not to try to operate a C-17 from a hot, asphalt runway.  But, he's the president, he knows best, right?  Sure "the military" is expected to pay for damages, but in reality its the taxpayers that get to pay to fix Dubya's latest screwup.  They should make him pay it out of pocket. </rant>

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From AVweb...

    We've grown used to a presidential visit closing aviation facilities but the effect is usually temporary. Las Cruces (New Mexico) International Airport closed one of its three runways indefinitely after George W. Bush's entourage left an indelible mark. A C-17 accompanying Air Force One created ruts more than 2,500 feet long when it backed up to get in position for takeoff there last Thursday. Damage is estimated at $1 million. (Oops.) Airport Manager Theresa Cook told AVweb that the president's travel team was warned that the asphalt runway (in the middle of a Southwest summer day) might not handle the weight of the planes in the entourage. Cook said the C-32-A (a military version of the Boeing 757) carrying President Bush landed and took off without any problems. It wasn't until the accompanying C-17 backed up for almost half the length of the affected runway that the damage occurred. Cook said she didn't know why the cargo plane backed up, using its thrust reversers, instead of taxiing conventionally. Initial reports said it was the 757 that caused the damage but that was an error, said Cook. She said the ruts are about two inches deep but the displaced asphalt also created a bump, so the total depth might approach four inches. The runway was closed immediately. The military is expected to cover the cost of repairing the damage but it's not known when the repairs will be made.

Don't see how it is the president's fault? ???

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And, assuming you're an American citizen, then you were part of the process that got GW elected.  Even if you didn't vote for the guy you still endorse the government that put the electoral system in place.  Your taxes paid for the election and the C17.  So YOU put the ruts in the runway.  Why did you do that?  Can't you listen to a simple warning?

gw is a dumbass anyway u guys need clinton back lmao

The C17 is used to transport the presidential limo and support vehicles.  The presidential security detail is not significantly different under GW as it was under Clinton.  And typically the president would not be in the decision loop regarding the logistics of his visit.  He wouldn't decide what runway to land on, what VOR to fly over, how much fuel to carry, etc.  He and his cabinet decide they need to go somewhere, the Secret Service and staff decide how best to get him there, and that's it.

The airforce pilots who fly the routes are not picked by the president or his staff.  They're selected and assigned the duty.  I'm sure it's not an easy job and, like all people, sometimes they make mistakes.  Who is responsible?  Well, the pilot.   Is the pilot's commanding officer responsible?  Is his commanding officer responsible?  Are the joint cheifs responsible?  Is the President responsible?  Well, yes.  They're just as responsible as we are as citizens of the USA.

As for what will happen to the pilot: I'm sure there will be an incident investigation.  I'm sure they'll find out why the event occured and put in procedures to prevent recurrance.  Having only learned of this from the internet I certainly don't have enough information to say why it occured.  Maybe the airport gave instruction to not use taxiway A1 and that's why the C17 used A2 and backed up to the threshold instead of just taxing normally?  Somehow I doubt that the airport said "please, please don't let the C17 use runway 9L."  and president Bush said "to hell with you.  What do you know about flying.  Pilot, use runway 9L".  And the pilot said "but sir..." and Bush said "you want me to have you executed boy?  I told you to use runway 9L.  And really make a mess out of it."

If you want to dislike GW that's fine.  Go ahead and dislike him.  Go ahead and criticize his policies.  But be realistic.  Blaming him for this is just silly.  I'm sure Clinton's cavalcade did similar stuff when it would come to town.  I don't think "pro-runway damage" is a Republican political platform.