After Leaving Office: Former Presidents and Access to Air Force One

Do former presidents have access to Air Force One or Two after they leave office? This is a question that many consider, especially given the unique status and resources available to the commander-in-chief. The answer is multifaceted, varying based on specific circumstances and the discretion of the sitting president.

Access and Usage under Specific Circumstances

Former presidents do have access to military-grade transportation, including aircraft, but it is not straightforward. The access primarily depends on the needs of the sitting president and the specific approval required for a former president to use the aircraft.

A former president may use Air Force One or other presidential aircraft for official or state-related functions. This was exemplified when then-President Jimmy Carter needed to attend the funeral of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat. In this case, President Ronald Reagan provided one of the VC-137 modified Boeing 707 aircraft to transport Carter. Such arrangements involve significant coordination and clearance from the current administration.

Excluding Regular Use and Security Considerations

However, regular access to Air Force One or similar aircraft is not a prerogative of former presidents. Unlike the sitting president, they do not have the unrestricted access to these resources for personal use. The aircraft are considered a temporary asset available only during official duties or state visits.

For instance, if a former president needs to travel, they must arrange it through commercial flights, just as any regular citizen would. Even when security details are involved, they rely on commercially operated aircraft to ensure safety and adhere to standard security protocols.

The Naming Convention and Call Sign Rules

The term "Air Force One" is specifically assigned when the President of the United States is aboard the aircraft. This means that an aircraft designated as Air Force One is the one carrying the current president. Any other aircraft, regardless of its modification or rank, does not carry the name "Air Force One" unless the president is on board.

For example, if a former president, such as George H.W. Bush, was to fly alongside a sitting president, the aircraft would not be known as Air Force One. Instead, it would carry a different call sign, such as SAM (Strategic Air Command) aircraft number. In some cases, a former president may use this aircraft, but not under the designation of Air Force One.

Role of the Sitting President

The sitting president holds ultimate authority over the use of the presidential aircraft. Any request for a former president to use a presidential aircraft must be approved by the current president. While significant cases may see a waiver of this rule for state matters, such as a former president’s trip to Egypt to attend a state funeral, the rule essentially remains in place.

Compliance with these rules ensures that the presidential aircraft remain a focused resource for the current leadership, allowing for flexibility and safety in presidential travel. The decision to deviate from the norm, such as granting a former president the use of Air Force One, is a clear demonstration of the unique relationship between past and present leadership in the United States.

Conclusion

While former presidents do have access to military transportation, including Air Force One, in specific and approved circumstances, regular and unrestricted access does not exist. These arrangements adhere to security, protocol, and the overarching needs of the current administration. This study underscores the complexities involved in maintaining the security and functionality of the presidential fleet.

For those interested in the intricacies of U.S. presidential aviation, understanding these rules can provide valuable insight into how the system works and the privileges and limitations it entails.