On Sun, 16 Jun 2013 09:12:52 -0700 (PDT), "
wrote:

As for the scale of what's required for such a visit and the
cost, one of the cable channels, probably Discovery, was
in Africa when Bush visited. They showed what went on
before and during the visit. It was amazing. Some examples:

Any fuel sources for AF1 have to be tested and then
sealed and secured. In one country, they could not do
that to their satisfaction. So, the AF brought in 7 large
fuel tanker trucks, with fuel, aboard C17s from Europe
to refuel AF1.

They take both 747's that serve as AF1. During the visit
there was a volcano erupting and there was concern that
the ash could be a problem. So, they had one 747 fly
ahead of the other, checking the conditions. Seems to me
if you want to check for ash, it might be better to send
a cheap plane, but then, that's me. Apparently it's std
practice to send one ahead to check for best flight
levels, weather, etc, since they both have to go anyhow.

It really was an interesting show, to see all the complexity
involved.

I watched that show. One airport had no radar, so pilots used charts
to navigate and land.