Air Force One

Air Force One
by Robert Dorr

Air Force One
List Price: $34.95
Category: Book
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Book Summary Information

Author: Robert Dorr
Edition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2002-07-27
ISBN: 0760310556
Number of pages: 156
Publisher: Zenith Press
Product features:

Book Reviews of Air Force One

Book Review: Fantastic history lesson on the aircraft that have supported the President of the United States
Summary: 4 Stars

"Air Force One", by Robert F. Dorr, is a combination photo essay and 60-year history lesson in the aircraft that have been solely designated to carry the President of the United States. The book is a very enjoyable history lesson of the development of the aircraft that use the most recognizable call-sign across the world. The author writes: "Today everyone recognizes the term Air Force One.... It is familiar to air traffic controllers from Moscow to Monrovia. To many, Air Force One is a symbol of American sovereignty and influence." Dorr succeeds in providing a fitting tribute to these very unique aircraft.

The first chapter of the book provides the background on what Air Force One is; a cursory look at some of the secret service security procedures; and some of the other procedures that take place with regard to flight operations.

The second chapter looks at propeller aircraft that supported Presidential travel. According to Dorr, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt was the first President to travel by air from Miami, Florida to a conference in Casablanca, Morocco.

Next Dorr focuses on the jet age aircraft. Ironically, the first aircraft featured were Eisenhower's propeller-driven C-121A Constellations. The author also documents the history of helicopter support to the President, beginning with Eisenhower's flight aboard a Marine Corps helicopter in 1957. Any discussion of Air Force One must include tail numbers 26000 & 27000 - the modified Boeing 707s used by all Presidents from Kennedy to George Bush.

In 1989, the current aircraft, a modified Boeing 747 entered the fleet and has served in the roll of Air Force One ever since. In addition to documenting the acquisition competition for this aircraft, Dorr includes a little history on the military applications of the Air Force's other Boeing 747 airframe.

This is the third book from the Zenith Press I have had the privilege of reading. Each book again features mainly well-designed page layouts featuring numerous color photographs on glossy pages. My only complaint with the layout is that sometimes aircraft data sheets are injected into the middle of the text, resulting in a paragraph that is broken up with 2 or sometimes 4 pages in between. Matters were complicated because the insets lacked distinctive visual cues to discern them from the main text. Aside from this minor critique, the book is very visually appealing.

In addition to the history of the various aircraft, Dorr includes many personal memories of the men and women who have served aboard the aircraft. These vignettes provide a personal touch to balance the technical discussions of the aircraft. To add a little more spice, the book describes in the last chapter how Air Force One supported President George W. Bush on September 11, 2001.

Summary of 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.

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