US Presidential aircraft
The US presidential aircraft fleet currently consists of two Boeing VC-25 wide-body planes, which are configured as military versions of Boeing 747-200B airliners. Both airliners are giants of the sky, marked with tail numbers 28000 and 29000 respectively. They are commonly operated by the United States Air Force (USAF) and use the radio call sign 'Air Force One'. This call sign was first used in the early 1950s after Dwight D. Eisenhower was elected as the 34th President of the US. At the time, the standard US Air Force procedure was to designate a flight by its tail number.
However, in 1953 this procedure led to a case of mistaken identity during radio communication between the Washington air traffic control in Richmond, the presidential plane and an Eastern Airlines flight, which had been given the same designated flight/tail number. After the confusion, US officials realised that the method of giving a presidential plane a call signal name by using its tail number could lead to accidents. Therefore, a new procedure of giving any plane flying the president the radio sign 'Air Force One' was implemented. Meanwhile, when the plane is carrying the Vice President of the United States, the radio call sign is changed to Air Force Two'.
Capable of flying roughly one-third of the way around the world without refuelling (up to 7,800 miles - about 12,600 kilometres), the presidential Boeing 747-200B features two main decks and a cargo area. The presidential version features 4,000 square feet (370 square meters) of floor space used for presidential duties. The airliner has a seating capacity for 70 passengers on the second floor, which is considered the main deck. The aircraft also features three entrances, two of which are located on the main deck and one on the lower deck.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der April 2023-Ausgabe von African Pilot.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der April 2023-Ausgabe von African Pilot.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
An aviation photographer's experience at the Presidential inauguration
Witnessing the helicopter formation for the Presidential Inauguration in Pretoria on 18 June 2024 was an incredibly unique and exhilarating experience, an opportunity that does not come around very often.
Jabiru South Africa
Ask the aviation industry about Jabiru aircraft and you will find that they have an excellent reputation.
EAA Chapter 322 Young Eagles 2024
The Experimental Aviation association (EAA) has a long history of engendering the passion for flying amongst its members as well as the youth of the world. EAA is a worldwide organisation with its most well-known event being the annual gathering in Oshkosh for a week of aviation as the largest aviation event in the world at the end of July each year.
Bat Hawk Aircraft
Based in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, Micro Aviation SA (SACAA M-628) is the manufacturer of the most affordable Rotax 912 ULS powered light sport aircraft in the world.
FK 9 Mk vi - RAPTOR
The FK9 Mk VI has just landed in South Africa.
Sun City plans for sustainable solar energy
Sun City is going to great heights in its bid to one day take the resort completely off the grid. With all available space on the roof of Sun Central now covered by solar panels, the resort lifted its sights to the roof at The Palace and the Sun City hotel.
Belgium chposes Airbus H145M for Armed Forces and Federal Police
The Kingdom of Belgium will procure 15 multi-role H145M helicopters for the army and two helicopters plus three options for the Federal Police. The contract was signed between the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), on behalf of Belgium and Airbus Helicopters.
Maputo airshow 2024 What a treat!
On Sunday 16 June Christine and I returned from attending the Maputo airshow and what a fantastic experience this was not only for estimated 15 000 spectators, but also the members of the media present. As always Brian Emmenis and his team were on top form with a great selection of music. The grand finale with the Puma Energy Flying Lions T6 Harvards was simply beautiful and I saw several spectators with tears in their eyes as they expressed their happiness for the airshow.
Single-pilot operations and lemon juice
Psychology researchers have found that some of the dumbest criminals and the cockiest pilots may have something in common: a hazardous cognitive bias, the Dunning–Kruger effect that hinders self-perception, clouds judgment and leads individuals to overestimate their ability. However, new psychological discoveries may provide a cure.
ExecuJet MRO Services! South Africa Set to Achieve New Record for Airframe Heavy Checks
JOHANNESBURG - ExecuJet MRO Services South Africa, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dassault Aviation, is poised to set a new record this year for airframe heavy maintenance checks. The company's previous annual record was seven, but this year it will complete at least 11 thanks to additional work on Dassault Falcon aircraft.