NEW YORK - AVIATION authorities on Monday barred a military reconnaissance plane from flying low over New York in the wake of a scandal over a publicity shoot for the presidential jet.

The navy had requested permission for the P3 aircraft, powered by four turboprop engines, to fly at 914m over the Hudson River, according to a statement from the Federal Aviation Authority.

But when 'higher-level FAA officials learned about the request, they informed the Navy that the flight was not approved and would not be allowed to fly the requested route,' the statement said.

This came less than two weeks after one of President Barack Obama's official Boeing 747s caused panic by flying low over Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty for a photo-shoot.

Office workers evacuated fearing a repeat of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack by hijacked airliners and Mayor Michael Bloomberg said he had not been warned in advance.

The White House military office head, Louis Caldera, resigned on Friday over the incident. -- AFP