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.

Aircraft historian Dorr has written numerous books detailing U.S. military aircraft. Here he directs his expertise to writing an objective overview of the planes and helicopters used to fly U.S. presidents and officials, tracing the history of presidential aircraft transportation from Theodore Roosevelt to George W. Bush. To a reference librarian's delight, Dorr highlights many presidential flying firsts. For instance, we learn here that Theodore Roosevelt, although the first president to fly, did so after he left office in October 1910, but Franklin Roosevelt was the first president to fly while in office, in January 1943. In addition, the Boeing 707-153 was the first jet used to fly a president in 1959. Numerous sidebars give technical details, and over 150 pictures of presidential planes and helicopters are included. Dorr provides the names of many former presidential pilots and staff and has interviewed many for their anecdotal accounts. Recommended for all public libraries; libraries may also want to purchase William D. Siuru's Presidential Cars & Transportation: From Horse and Carriage to Air Force One for information on other forms of transportation by presidents. Joyce M. Cox, Nevada State Lib. & Archives, Carson City
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