PRESIDENT EISENHOWER'S TWIN-ENGINE
AIR FORCE ONE
Restored, flying, and coming to an airport near you...
History of Ike's Bird
This 1955 Aero Commander L-26B is nicknamed "Ike's Bird".
From 1955 to 1960 it was used by the Eisenhower Administration and the White House to carry the President, Vice President, First Family and other VIP's on short distance trips. It is the smallest plane ever to be used as Air Force One.
Its now owned and flying with the Commemorative Air Force... and coming to an airport near you.
President Eisenhower steps out of Ike's Bird at his farm in Gettysburg, PA after a flight from Washington, DC.
Click on the video above and watch as President Eisenhower flies aboard "Ike's Bird" as he travels from Washington DC to his farm in Gettysburg, PA.
Ride on Ike's Air Force One
Relive history by riding on the smallest plane to fly as Air Force One. Sit in the President's seat and feel history come alive. Check out our Schedule to see where you can join a select group of privileged fliers aboard a Presidential aircraft.
Victory Flights for Veterans
The primary mission of the CAF’s “Ike’s Bird” is to fly veterans for free in an historic plane. These flights are called “Victory Flights for Veterans”.
Victory Flights are done to honor the veterans service to the nation and our freedoms. A unique feature of “Ike’s Bird” is its low entry door. Only one foot off the ground, the Commander can easily accommodate wounded and disabled veterans… men and women who otherwise have great difficulty in climbing into some of the CAF’s World War II aircraft.
To fulfill this worthy mission, we must find and recruit Victory Flight Sponsors to help. Please click on the "Donate to Victory Flights" button, make a donation for this worthy cause and become a Victory Flight Sponsor. You will have the satisfaction of knowing you have brought joy and have honored a veteran with a free flight in a former Air Force One.
Thank you...
Click on the pictures to expand them.
About the Commemorative Air Force
Collecting, restoring and flying vintage historic aircraft for more than half a century, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) ranks as one of the largest private air forces in the world. The CAF is dedicated to preserving our American Military Aviation heritage through education, inspiration, and honoring our veterans. A non-profit educational association, the CAF has more than 10,000 members and a fleet of 175 airplanes distributed throughout the country to local units located in 27 states for care and operation. For more information, visit www.CommemorativeAirForce.org or call (214) 330-1700.
Ike's Bird is based at the CAF HQ and National Aviation Education Center at Dallas Executive Airport in Dallas, TX.