capt_zman

Hey Vpede,

Re-read the article since it just changed. She isn't entitled to squat as the former house speaker use to fly the smaller of the 3 planes. So your argument is hogwash.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070208/...yZJTM_utTMWM0F

Like I said in the original post, I found it humorous, that's all.

As for the GV not in the article, out of the 3 planes, that is the middle one for purposes of making CA non-stop.

Velocipede

Again, aircraft range isn't the issue. Its the excuse given for public consumption.

Velocipede

zman, ol' buddy,

Not only did I fly in a military VIP squadron, I scheduled the airplanes. I'm pretty familiar with what the rank structure is entitled to.

Of course, the press knows all. That's why my local paper had a picture of an "ARMY" CH-46.

The Marines fly the CH-46, not the Army.

If you want to base your argument on U.S. press stories, feel free. Just be aware, there may be some gaps in facts...

P.S. She is not the "former" Speaker. She is the current Speaker of the House.
P.P.S. The C-20 is a G-III not a G-V.

Fokker28

Well, obviously trying to speak for all democrats is a little silly, either by you or me. But for myself, I certainly don't 'hate' ANYBODY for what they have (unless maybe if they got it by crushing others without paying their fair share of taxes for the upkeep of our society- you know, the society that enabled them to get rich)! That is notorious Rush-style kool-aid used to villify the 'other side', rather than examining their ideas. I DO believe that some people find themselves in very hard situations through NO fault of their own, and that the whole purpose of a society is to allow each other to lend a hand where/when possible. It's no different than pulling over to help somebody change a flat tire, except it's on a larger scale.

I and my family have enough, including a few luxuries, and I am happy to give back.

Really, that whole 'democrats hate anybody for having anything' is absurd. About like Bush telling us that the extremists 'hate us for having freedom'. Does that really make any sense to anybody???

capt_zman

The C-37A is the V. 99th out of Andrews flies them for VIP. I thought the C-20's were phased out by now.

Velocipede

Your press story said Hastert was flying the C-20...The ubiquitous G-III.

FDX28

If anyone saw the interview with Pelosi she said it wasn't a security factor, rather she wanted to travel with her FRIENDS. Then she tacked on that she could get work done since her friends were on board.

I don't care if it was a Rep or Dem, it's gov't waste.

SamFoxpilot

Not sure where Vpede gets his facts but the Speaker is not entitled to a DoD jet. No such verbage in DoD or AF directives. The DoD, with White House consent has usually offered the Speaker (regardless of party) transportation for official business (to/from DC to home district) on a space available basis. It wasn't until 9/11 that Hastert started taking C-20s on a regular basis.

Based on precedent Speaker Pelosi would be allowed to request transportation, but would not necessarily be guaranteed a specific aircraft. I would expect that the Speaker would get a GIII when the winds allowed, and a GV when the winds were strong.

How do I know? I'm one of those C-20/C-37 pilots who may be flying her.

And yes, we still fly GIII's.

Velocipede

Remember, my experience was almost 20 years ago. Things may have changed significantly since then.

rickair7777

I seriously doubt that she asked the DoD to provide transport for her friends, nobody is that stupid...they are probably staffers, and it is not unreasonable for a key congressperson to want to conduct bidness while flying, just like every CEO/COO/Senior VP in the world does.