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Air Force One
Climb aboard the president's office in the sky - Air Force One, the world's most recognizable airplane. This book features a detailed examination of what makes this airplane so special, including its sophisticated communications, navigation, and defensive systems. Learn about how today's 747 was built, and compare it to presidential aircraft of the past.
- GenresHistory
156 pages, Hardcover
First published July 27, 2002
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About the author
Robert F. Dorr
82 books41 followersAuthor of "HITLER'S TIME MACHINE."
Author (1955- ); Air Force veteran (1957-60); retired Foreign Service officer (1964-89).
Author of about 75 books on the Air Force and on military history and operations.
Author of the weekly "Back Talk" column in Air Force Times newspaper, the monthly "Washington Watch" column in Aerospace America magazine; the monthly "Front Line" column in Combat Aircraft magazine; the monthly "Washington News" column in Air International magazine; the "The Way It Was" photo feature in Warbirds magazine; the "History Mystery" feature in Air Power History magazine, and other stuff.
I live in Virginia with spouse and Labrador retriever, have grown sons, new iMac. "HITLER'S TIME MACHINE" was published in December 2014
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 30, 2025
I think just about everyone knows what AIR FORCE ONE is. Most of us think of that magnificent Boeing 747-200 when we hear the words, but in reality it is whatever air force plane that happens to be carrying the US President. If it happened that the president had to travel by a WWII era C-47 transport plane, that would be AIR FORCE ONE. If he was in a Marine helicopter it would be MARINE ONE, or ARMY ONE if in an army helicopter. There have been many planes over the years that carried US presidents. This book covers them all.
Some presidents used them often. Johnson took others with him in Air Force One to impress them or win favors. Truman flew but often still traveled by train as did most Americans. Buses and trains were deemed safer. Teddy Roosevelt was the first president to fly, but it was before he actually served in that office. He went aloft in that Wright brothers' flying machine, a contraption of wires, wood, and a small motor, which would have the Secret Service pulling their hair out if it happened today. The other Roosevelt, FDR, flew in a seaplane once. Carter ordered them to stop calling it Air Force One. Who knows why? The plane carrying Kennedy's body home was still called Air Force One.
The author learned interesting stuff talking to former flight crews. Regan had nice things to say to everyone. Nixon never interacted with those who held his life in their hands, even though he was always smiling for the cameras. Carter liked his music and danced in the aisles. Johnson, ever the politician, spoke to everyone on the plane. One time a member of the crew had a hard time trying to wake Clinton early in the morning. Finally he shook him by the shoulders and yelled, "You've got to get your ass out of bed!" Clinton rose, grinned, and responded, "Oh. Okay."
At the time of writing, the 747, known as VC-25A, could stay aloft for 6 days. It could carry 23 crew members, 70 passengers, and had 2000 meals on board. By the way, the food is bought locally at random locations. There is quite an arsenal onboard for the Secret Service, enough to fill Seal Team Six with envy. On that fateful day that many of us know as simply '9/11' Air Force fighters were in the air flying escort. It was a rare event, and could have led to an even greater tragedy. It was thought that hijackers were going to try to intercept Air Force One and ram it. Those fighters were going to ensure it didn't happen.
The last person to enter the plane before the president is the officer carrying the 'football'. That is the package containing the launch codes for launching a nuclear strike. That package is the one and only device referred to as the 'football' and is known by no other name.
Speaking of names, FDR's personal plane was called The Sacred Cow. The Cow was replaced by Columbine. Queenie, Independence, and Spirit of '76 were others.
Besides the inside looking like the finest 5 star hotel penthouse, the outside of the plane is kept immaculate as well. Everyone from the pilot to the guy cleaning the windshield takes the greatest pride in their job. That plane represents America.
The book is richly illustrated. I am pleased to own an autographed copy!
Some presidents used them often. Johnson took others with him in Air Force One to impress them or win favors. Truman flew but often still traveled by train as did most Americans. Buses and trains were deemed safer. Teddy Roosevelt was the first president to fly, but it was before he actually served in that office. He went aloft in that Wright brothers' flying machine, a contraption of wires, wood, and a small motor, which would have the Secret Service pulling their hair out if it happened today. The other Roosevelt, FDR, flew in a seaplane once. Carter ordered them to stop calling it Air Force One. Who knows why? The plane carrying Kennedy's body home was still called Air Force One.
The author learned interesting stuff talking to former flight crews. Regan had nice things to say to everyone. Nixon never interacted with those who held his life in their hands, even though he was always smiling for the cameras. Carter liked his music and danced in the aisles. Johnson, ever the politician, spoke to everyone on the plane. One time a member of the crew had a hard time trying to wake Clinton early in the morning. Finally he shook him by the shoulders and yelled, "You've got to get your ass out of bed!" Clinton rose, grinned, and responded, "Oh. Okay."
At the time of writing, the 747, known as VC-25A, could stay aloft for 6 days. It could carry 23 crew members, 70 passengers, and had 2000 meals on board. By the way, the food is bought locally at random locations. There is quite an arsenal onboard for the Secret Service, enough to fill Seal Team Six with envy. On that fateful day that many of us know as simply '9/11' Air Force fighters were in the air flying escort. It was a rare event, and could have led to an even greater tragedy. It was thought that hijackers were going to try to intercept Air Force One and ram it. Those fighters were going to ensure it didn't happen.
The last person to enter the plane before the president is the officer carrying the 'football'. That is the package containing the launch codes for launching a nuclear strike. That package is the one and only device referred to as the 'football' and is known by no other name.
Speaking of names, FDR's personal plane was called The Sacred Cow. The Cow was replaced by Columbine. Queenie, Independence, and Spirit of '76 were others.
Besides the inside looking like the finest 5 star hotel penthouse, the outside of the plane is kept immaculate as well. Everyone from the pilot to the guy cleaning the windshield takes the greatest pride in their job. That plane represents America.
The book is richly illustrated. I am pleased to own an autographed copy!
February 16, 2020
Begins with data about the then-current plane, then examines the previous air craft that was used by the Presidents with increasing tech as well as some of the personalities. Insightful, color and B/w images.
January 21, 2015
If you want to know inside story of Air Force One: from its history to about the Presidential suit to who commands and in which hangar this aircraft is kept; this is the book for you.
There are interesting anecdote of President and the First Lady. And other incidents, which turned history and polity; not on American scale but on global scale.
There are interesting anecdote of President and the First Lady. And other incidents, which turned history and polity; not on American scale but on global scale.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews