Ike's Bird Ground School Info - 2022 | Ike's Bird Air Force One

“Ike’s Bird”

Ground School Information

Aero Commander L-26B USAF 55-4638

Thanks for your interest in checking out to become a pilot of "Ike's Bird".

This web page is an information sheet put together for prospective pilots and Sponsor Group members of “Ike’s Bird”. Its that time of year when we gather together to get checked out and current on this aircraft. This webpage gives you all the info you need to get registered and prepared.

There is no cost to attend.

It's time for you to step forward and get checked out and flying a former Air Force One.

Time and Date:

Saturday, March 25

10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Dallas Executive Airport

"Think Tank" Conference Room

CAF National Aviation Education Center

Lunch Provided

Andy Maag, Instructor

"Ike's Bird" GS Registration

Ike with his Air Force One pilot, Col. William Draper in 1955.

Here are some links to some important documents you should read and know.

Checklist -- This link will take you to the checklist. This is the same checklist that is kept in the plane. Updated Feb. 1, 2022.

L-26B Q-Ref -- This is the Quick Reference Guide that will help you with most all the info you will need to fly and operate the L-26B. Updated as of Feb 1, 2022.

Aero Commander 560A Flight Manual

Ground School Slides -- These are the slides we use to teach Ground School. (Coming Soon)

Ground School Test -- This is the test we will be using. Go online and practice. The correct answers will appear with hints and helpful info.

CAF Operations Website -- This link will take you to the website maintained by CAF HQ. It has a number of good resources and lots of current information.

Thanks to Al Benzing and Andy Maag for their help in preparing and maintaining the checklists and Ground School materials.

"Ike's Bird" GS Registration

Ike and Gen Montgomery exiting an L-26B 1.jpg

Ike and British General Bernard Montgomery flew aboard

"Ike's Bird" to the President's farm in Gettysburg, PA.

2023 "Ike's Bird" Schedule

You can see our 2023 schedule here.

Kerry Liefeld and his wife aboard "Ike's Bird". Kerry spent a number of years as the Maintenance Officer in charge of Bob Hoover's airshow Twin Commanders.

Barnstormer Saturday Historic Aircraft Fly-Ins

We are producing the Barnstormer Saturday events in partnership with the DFW Wing, T-34 Sponsor Group, Bucket of Bolts Sponsor Group, Coyote Squadron and Lone Star Wing. We need pilots and crew to help on these fun events. Contact Gerald to set schedule your time on the ramp and in the air.

For More Information

Please review and let us know if you have any questions. Hopefully, you will choose to join in our efforts and feel the satisfaction of flying a historic aircraft, and the fun of sharing it with others.

Thank you…

Gerald Oliver

Aircraft Director

Gerald@IkesBird.org

312-953-0357

Put yourself into the cockpit flying "Ike's Bird".

Reach out to us for any questions and register now for Ground School.