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Type of bind: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 973
EAN num: 9780786888191
ISBN number: 0786888199
Label: Hyperion
Manufacturer: Hyperion
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 288
Printing Date: May 12, 2004
Publishing house: Hyperion
Release Date: May 12, 2004
Sale Popularity Level: 826854
Studio: Hyperion
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Editor's Notes and Comments:
Product Description:
Now in paperback, this definitive history of Air Force One by the award-winning chief White House correspondent for U.S. News & World Report is a 'marvelous book brimming with unforgettable anecdotes' (David Brinkley).
>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.'
User popularity level:
Rated by buyers 
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I'm glad I checked this book out of the library instead of buying it. I remember reading The Flying White House by J.F. Ter Horst (Ford's press secretary) and Col. Ralph Albertazzie (Nixon's pilot), and looked forward to an updated story with the 747, plus presidents Reagan, Bush 41, Clinton and Bush 43.
Unfortunately, Mr. Walsh displays a clear bias, with far more petty comments about the Democratic presidents than the Republican ones, save for Nixon. He's especially biased against LBJ and Clinton, taking every opportunity to make a negative comment. By contrast, he plays George W. Bush far too heroically than more objective journalists have.
Although The Flying White House was written in 1979, and thus misses much recent history, it is a far more interesting book, with better and more detailed stories, particularly the pivotal role Air Force One played on November 22, 1963 (which I consider the most momentous event in the airplane's history, not September 11, 2001 as Mr. Walsh contends).
I'll admit I enjoyed Air Force One overall simply because I'm fascinated by both aviation and the presidency. But this book stacks up poorly against the earlier work by Ter Horst and Albertazzi.
Rated by buyers -
This was a short and easy read about the atmosphere on Air Force One. I found it very fascinating to look into what went on behind the scenes of Air Force One. The book was filled with several such little stories of presidential practical jokes, awkward moments, scary situations, etc.
One thing that it seemed that every president and every aide who was interviewed for this book said was that Air Force One had a very different atmosphere than rest of the Presidents moments. It was more laid-back and private, and many presidents looked forward to the solidarity of Air Force One and getting away from all of the formalities and the press.
Although it did not cover a lot about each presidents history, it did provide a nice, short overview of what policies each president who flew on Air Force One had.
Recommended for anyone interested in Air Force jets or presidential history.
Rated by buyers 
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Walsh has written an excellent book that details what the plane that carries the President of The United States of America represents.From the very 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 very 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.
Rated by buyers -
If you are expecting a hard-hitting expose about anything presidential then this is not the book for you. The author does a very good job of detailing out the Presidents from FDR that have taken flight via Air Force One or its predecessors. The book is very interesting and does a good job at what it covers. The book does not cover in any detail much about the plane except for overall basic facts. The real focus of the book is the men who road in the planes, not the planes. I find that the only issue I had with the book is that there was not enough detail of the actual plane, what the crew goes through to get it ready, the special planning for a trip and so on. Don't get me wrong, I rather enjoyed the book as it was a light easy to read book that provided some very nice stories about the Presidents who traveled in the plane.
Rated by buyers 
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Air Force One doesn't break any new ground. There aren't any juicy revelations about our past or present presidents. Air Force One in this book provides a unique stage allowing us to briefly visit all of the "flying presidents" including their personality flaws and greatness. (or the lack thereof) It's an interesting book. You won't end up with it on your all time list of favorites but it's perfect for a summer day at the beach. Enjoyable reading.
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