There diffinitely was something more to that flyover than a photo op. If it really was to be a photo op then they could have done it on a Sunday when no one would have been at work.
I want to know where Michelle was that day. She said she does love to sneak out.
Also there is no way Obama wouldn't have known that, that plane was going to be in use. They have to know where those planes are at all times in case there is an emergency and some contingency plan has to go into effect.
“They” does not mean the President personally. Anyone in a top executive position who would concern himself with such trivia is not qualified to hold the position. In this case, somebody in the “they” department screwed up.