No matter where in the world the President travels, if he flies in an Air Force jet, the plane is called Air Force One. Air Force One is the call sign of any Air Force aircraft carries the President. In practice, however, Air Force One is used to refer to one of two highly customized Boeing 747 aircraft. The Air Force name for the airplane is VC-25A. Air Force One is one of the most famous symbols of the presidency, spawning countless references not just in American culture but also across the world.
It’s fascinating with it’s ability of refueling midair, Air Force One has unlimited range and can carry the President wherever he needs to travel. The on board electronics are hardened to protect against an electromagnetic pulsation, and Air Force One is equipped with advanced secure communications equipment, allowing the aircraft to function as a mobile command center in the event of an attack on the United States. With 4,000 square feet of floor space on three levels, including an extensive suite for the President that features a large office, lavatory, and conference room. Air Force One includes a medical suite that can function as an operating room, and a doctor is permanently on board. The plane’s two food preparation galleys can feed 100 people at a time. It also has quarters for those who accompany the President. Which including senior advisors, Secret Service officers, traveling press, and other guests. Several cargo planes typically fly ahead of Air Force One to provide the President with services needed in remote locations.
Air Force One is maintained and operated by the Presidential Airlift Group, part of the White House Military Office. The Airlift Group was founded in 1944 as the Presidential Pilot Office at the direction of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. For the next 20 years, various propeller driven aircraft served the President. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy became the first President to fly in his own jet aircraft, a modified Boeing 707. Over the years, several other jet aircraft have been used, with the first of the current aircraft being delivered in 1990. President George H. W. Bush decision to have this modified for the times. I myself think it’s a magnificent symbolic “air building” if you ask me.
The first time I ever saw a Boeing 707 was as a kid when my father took me on the tarmac in Gander, Newfoundland. As at that time Pan Am Company was still in existence and to see the size of this aircraft was something, which was mesmerizing to the eyes of the beholder. There is no other leader within the world that travels on such an astonishing machine of the air as such. It still does stand for something much like other symbolic things within the United States.
For I see it as a large eagle – when it lands it’s something that stands for a country that still is and it tends to leave one breathless while in the sky and to anyone that has ever seen it from near or far. Inscribed with the word "United States of America," the American flag, and the Seal of the President of the United States, it is an undeniable presence wherever it take to the air.
There are some of the most interesting things which have a cultural as well as symbolic value. The Statue of Liberty is probably one of my favorites and this would certainly
be my second.
~ For it Flys Like an Eagle ~
Grandeus! It's so big ... imagine 4,000 square feet of floor space, that's so spacious. It is so beautiful Jack. Beautiful. Great!
ReplyDeleteThose jets are really cool an this one in particular is special. The air force museum is full of beautiful planes. Gm jack xx
ReplyDeleteHmmm - amazing some of the things man makes.
ReplyDeleteI've flown on 747's to Asia -- there is sooooo much room inside that it's hard to explain. Watching them take off and land is simply awesome, wondering at the engineering required to define the required lift and translate that into metal. Flying remains one of the safest traveling methods, because of all of that engineering.
ReplyDeleteIt's a magnificent in the way I see it.
ReplyDeleteThey are a spectacle Cinn. I have seen the museum and if there is one thing last night that I was captivated by
ReplyDeletewas regardless of what. George Bush Sr., literally was very smart as it's really an something to see
within the skys. Boo - how are you as I have been within training every other day now.
A good afternoon Cinn. (this is a pleasure).
There are things that are of good that mankind has made Suzanne and that 747 some would say is costly.
ReplyDeleteI say it's something that is within the representation of a country which title goes by, " The United States of America".
The statue of Liberty for myself is one other which I find very amazing.
It's remarkable to see this take off. There are cultural "things in lack of better words but this "Air Building" is something more
ReplyDeletethan just a plane. It represents something in which still stand Grammy.
I'm with you on this one, some things are definitely worth the cost. For those that say its costly, what are they expecting our President to ride in? There are alot of other costly things going on in our country that need to be addressed.
ReplyDelete3 levels, 4000 sq ft, conferences rooms, office, food for 100.....it would be overwhelming to be in the midst of all that.....truly remarkable
ReplyDeleteCurt it's literally the White house within the air when one come to think of it.
ReplyDelete