Air Force One: A History of the Presidents and Their Planes

>From FDR's prop-driven Pan Am to the glimmering blue-and-white jumbo 747 on which George W. Bush travels, the president's plane has captured the public's awe and imagination and is recognized around the world as a symbol of American power. In this unique book, Air Force One is revealed as a very special habitat that functions as an invaluable window on each of the presidents who occupy it.

Based on interviews with five living presidents, scores of past and present government officials, and staff and crew members of Air Force One, Walsh's book features countless fascinating and often outrageous stories of life aboard the "flying White House."

I have just finished reading Kenneth T. Walsh's newest book, "Air Force One: A History of the Presidents and Their Planes". This book, I am happy to report, is as informative and articulate a reading experience as I have had in a long time. Mr. Walsh's long-time "insider" status as well as his exhaustive research and crisp, concise style of writing made this a thoroughly enjoyable read, start to finish.

The short history of aviation and it's effect on American history is truly remarkable, as Mr. Walsh reports. Over the few years it has taken for the jet age to develop, our executive branch has been relatively quick to recognize and tap the potential for extending democratic values and influence. Between FDR's first tedious and exhausting hop-scotch to Casablanca and George W. Bush's incredible split-second decision on board Air Force One the day of September 11, 2001, this book gives the reader some wonderful minute-by-minute reporting from the key people involved, right up to the presidents themselves.

Each of our presidents has approached the Ait Force One experience in their own unique way, thereby revealing a closer insight into their hearts and minds. This book details each, from Clinton's relatively relaxed and homey flying style, Johnson's bullying, to Nixon's brooding and self-obsessed genius. And for me personally, the detailed descriptions of each airplane's awesome power and capabilities imparted a sense of certainty and reassurance that our leadership is just as secure and in command at 35,000 feet and 700 mph as it has ever been in the White House or Camp David.

These airplanes and the phalanx of people who fly them have known more history than one could ever have even imagined. With this book, Mr. Walsh has brought American history buffs as well as casual readers like myself a slice of flying knowlege and experience not soon to be forgotten.


First Class Ride!   May 12, 2003
David A. Howarth (Grove City, OH United States)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

I have just finished reading Kenneth T. Walsh's newest book, "Air Force One: A History of the Presidents and Their Planes". This book, I am happy to report, is as informative and articulate a reading experience as I have had in a long time. Mr. Walsh's long-time "insider" status as well as his exhaustive research and crisp, concise style of writing made this a thoroughly enjoyable read, start to finish.

The short history of aviation and it's effect on American history is truly remarkable, as Mr. Walsh reports. Over the few years it has taken for the jet age to develop, our executive branch has been relatively quick to recognize and tap the potential for extending democratic values and influence. Between FDR's first tedious and exhausting hop-scotch to Casablanca and George W. Bush's incredible split-second decision on board Air Force One the day of September 11, 2001, this book gives the reader some wonderful minute-by-minute reporting from the key people involved, right up to the presidents themselves.

Each of our presidents has approached the Ait Force One experience in their own unique way, thereby revealing a closer insight into their hearts and minds. This book details each, from Clinton's relatively relaxed and homey flying style, Johnson's bullying, to Nixon's brooding and self-obsessed genius. And for me personally, the detailed descriptions of each airplane's awesome power and capabilities imparted a sense of certainty and reassurance that our leadership is just as secure and in command at 35,000 feet and 700 mph as it has ever been in the White House or Camp David.

These airplanes and the phalanx of people who fly them have known more history than one could ever have even imagined. With this book, Mr. Walsh has brought American history buffs as well as casual readers like myself a slice of flying knowlege and experience not soon to be forgotten.


Insider look I won't forget   May 23, 2003
Cathy J. Lovato (Canyonville, OR United States)
7 out of 10 found this review helpful

Here is an insider look at the presidents that I will never forget. They are in shirt sleeves, chowing down food, playing cards and telling shady jokes. This is a very insightful account that was a sure winner from its very conception. Still, Ken Walsh is so tidy with the intricate details that there are many extras I didn't expect. Fun reading... much new information, critical to any serious student of presidential history.


Air Force One brings the Message Of Hope   July 29, 2005
J. Guild (Toronto,Canada)
1 out of 2 found this review helpful


Walsh has written an excellent book that details what the plane that carries the President of The United States of America represents.From the first President to fly,FDR,to the present holder of the office;we are given a candid look at these men in an enviroment where they let down their guards and exposed their real personalities.
The book shows what the arrival and departure of this plane represents wherever it goes;whether in the US or abroad.
David Valdez ,a White House photographer who travelled with GWH Bush for 10 years put it this way."When you fly on that plan,you are representing the United States,and when you land,that huge 747 sits there as the flying embassy of the United States of America."
Although the book is a little slow for the first 50 or so pages,possibly because it covers the period prior to when the author was personally involved,1986.However;don't let that influence you,because the book gets better at that point,and when you reach the end,you'll wish it was much longer;at least that's how it was for me.
As you are introduced to the Presidents as they assume office,one after another;you'll see their personalities and how they reacted to events that took place and how each of them dealt with those who were close to them as well as those who had the distinct privelige to serve them.
You will be given an intimate look at those memorable events that the whole world followed.Especially,what went on in Air Force One when Johnson was sworn in after JFK was assassinated in Dallas,add why Jackie was so prominent in those pictures.Then,President Nixon's flight to California after his resignation.The games of Hearts Clinton craved ,the antics little of Amy Carter,as well as those of many adults ,while on board;but more than anything else; the inside look ,as the events unfolded on that unforgettable day of 9/11 when the United States was attacked by Terrorists.You will see how the power of the world's greatest government operated from the confines of a single plane.
Probably what this author has excelled best at was to show how each of the Presidents,coming from various walks of life,and having very different personalities,all tried with the best of their abilities and depending on the challenges confronting,gave their all in serving their countries.Upon completion of their terms each returned to private life among their fellow citizens;each in their own way believing that they had done their best.All the world but especially the people of the United States owes all these men a great debt of gratitude.I am sure each of them felt it was ther privelige to serve and that alone was its reward.