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Air force one12/16/2023 "There are more requirements since September 11," he said. McConnell said the service is necessary because the aircraft offer security equipment that a public charter operator couldn't provide. While the thought of government-sponsored high-end business jets might make some taxpayers cringe, 89th Airlift Wing spokesman Capt. Though their tailored blue business suits and uniforms might suggest otherwise, these people are all battle-ready, field-trained, and prepared to defend their aircraft and passengers on a moment's notice. Pilots with fewer than 2,500 hours of flight time won't even be considered, and most have several thousand hours of experience flying fighter jets or other military aircraft. The wing employs 80 pilots and 89 flight attendants who are handpicked for this mission from the greater Air Force pool. All aircraft, including the two that serve as Air Force One, are housed and maintained at Andrews, just 10 miles southeast of the White House. The fleet carries out more than 6,500 missions and logs nearly 12,000 flight hours each year. The 89th Airlift Wing, based at Andrews Air Force Base in Camp Springs, Maryland, is responsible for running the military's largest executive flight department. Government agencies reimburse the Air Force for the use of the fleet at hourly rates ranging from $5,262 for the GIIIs to $18,338 for the 737s. All have been modified to incorporate such things as specialized communications and flight equipment and VIP staterooms. In addition to the pair of Boeing 747s that take turns serving as Air Force One (the aircraft bears the sobriquet only when the President is aboard), the fleet includes five Gulfstream IIIs, four GVs, two 737s, and four 757s. But did you know that the Air Force also operates 15 other business jets that are used to transport high-profile government officials, including members of Congress? You've probably heard of or seen Air Force One-even if only in a movie or on TV-and know that it carries the President of the U.S.
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