Who Flies Air Force Two?
Air Force Two is the call sign used by the United States Air Force (USAF) for any aircraft that is carrying the Vice President of the United States, the Second Lady of the United States, or other high-ranking government officials. The aircraft itself is a modified Boeing 757-200, designed to provide a safe and secure mode of transportation for the Vice President and their entourage.
Who Are the Pilots?
The pilots who fly Air Force Two are highly trained and experienced officers of the United States Air Force. They are part of the 89th Airlift Wing, which is responsible for providing air transportation for the Vice President, the First Family, and other high-ranking government officials.
Types of Pilots
There are two types of pilots who fly Air Force Two:
- Vice Wing Commander: The Vice Wing Commander is the second-in-command of the 89th Airlift Wing and serves as the pilot-in-command of Air Force Two. They are responsible for ensuring the safe and secure transportation of the Vice President and their entourage.
- Chief Pilot: The Chief Pilot is the most experienced pilot in the wing and serves as the flight commander of Air Force Two. They are responsible for planning and executing the flight, as well as ensuring the safety and security of the aircraft and its passengers.
Pilot Requirements
To become a pilot for Air Force Two, one must meet the following requirements:
- Commissioned Officer: The pilot must be a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force.
- Aircraft Commander: The pilot must have experience as an aircraft commander, having commanded a aircraft with a crew of at least two.
- Instrument Rating: The pilot must have an instrument rating, which allows them to fly in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).
- Multi-Engine Rating: The pilot must have a multi-engine rating, which allows them to fly aircraft with multiple engines.
- Type Rating: The pilot must have a type rating for the Boeing 757-200, which is the aircraft used for Air Force Two.
- Security Clearance: The pilot must have a Top Secret security clearance, which is required to handle sensitive information and to have access to secure facilities.
Pilot Training
To become a pilot for Air Force Two, one must undergo rigorous training and evaluation. The training program includes:
- Initial Qualification Training: The pilot must complete initial qualification training, which includes ground school and flight training.
- Instrument Training: The pilot must complete instrument training, which includes training in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).
- Multi-Engine Training: The pilot must complete multi-engine training, which includes training in an aircraft with multiple engines.
- Type Rating Training: The pilot must complete type rating training, which includes training on the Boeing 757-200.
- Commander’s Training: The pilot must complete commander’s training, which includes training on leadership and decision-making.
- Security Training: The pilot must complete security training, which includes training on security procedures and protocols.
Pilot Qualifications
To be qualified to fly Air Force Two, a pilot must have the following qualifications:
- Total Flight Hours: The pilot must have a minimum of 1,500 hours of total flight time.
- Multi-Engine Time: The pilot must have a minimum of 500 hours of multi-engine time.
- Instrument Time: The pilot must have a minimum of 500 hours of instrument time.
- Type Rating: The pilot must have a type rating for the Boeing 757-200.
- Security Clearance: The pilot must have a Top Secret security clearance.
Table: Pilot Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Commissioned Officer | Must be a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force |
| Aircraft Commander | Must have experience as an aircraft commander |
| Instrument Rating | Must have an instrument rating |
| Multi-Engine Rating | Must have a multi-engine rating |
| Type Rating | Must have a type rating for the Boeing 757-200 |
| Security Clearance | Must have a Top Secret security clearance |
Conclusion
Flying Air Force Two is a highly prestigious and challenging job that requires a high level of skill, experience, and training. The pilots who fly Air Force Two are highly qualified and experienced officers of the United States Air Force, who have undergone rigorous training and evaluation to ensure the safe and secure transportation of the Vice President and their entourage.
