Spotlight: What America’s Most Famous Plane Was Doing in Albany

New York residents were treated to a rare sight earlier this week when the nation's most famous plane was spotted multiple times in the Albany area.

Questions over the plane's visit focused on the fact that the president (or any other member of the executive cabinet) was not on the large C-32A Boeing. Instead, it could be seen attempting multiple landings and takeoffs.

The Air Force's Executive Transport Plane Spotted in Albany, NY

The plane, which would be referred to as Air Force One if the president has been on board, might look like a standard passenger plane, but the pilots in the cockpit aren't your ordinary professionals. The stop in Albany was part of their continued training (below).

Air Force Training Exercises at Albany International Airport

As the Albany International Airport (ALB) explained, "touch and goes" are just one of the many maneuvers that could be required of the high-level pilots. In fact, these pilots have been seen practicing with the plane all across the country (below).

"Air Force One" Spotted Training at Multiple Airports

It seems that different airports provide different training conditions for the pilots. While some Albany residents anecdotally reported that the shorter runways at ALB may have attracted the pilots to train, other airports are sought out for the entirely opposite reason (below).

While the appearance in Albany wasn't as "regular" as some other airports, many residents were excited about the opportunity to see such a rare aircraft. "Always an awesome sight. I love seeing them come in", shared one resident. Check out more "presidential" facts below.