Pelosi flies disputed military jet home [nonstop!]

San Francisco Chronicle ^ | Feb 10, 2007

[John Jorsett]

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the subject of Republican criticism for her mode of air travel, flew home nonstop Thursday night aboard a 12-seat military aircraft set aside for use by lawmakers.

Republican House members, aided by friendly radio and television talk show hosts, created a political tempest this week, claiming Pelosi was pressuring the Pentagon for the use of an "Air Force Three" and a "flying Lincoln Bedroom." Since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, however, the administration has required the speaker -- then Republican Dennis Hastert of Illinois -- to travel home and on official business using military planes for security reasons.

House Sergeant at Arms Bill Livingood said he had asked the Pentagon to provide a plane large enough to fly Pelosi nonstop to San Francisco, citing the security concerns.

Even the White House defended the Democratic speaker. The president's spokesman, Tony Snow, on Thursday called the criticism "unfair" and the flap "a silly story."

Pelosi flew nonstop from the nation's capital to San Francisco to attend the funeral services of the late Lt. Gov. Leo McCarthy aboard a C-37A, the military's version of a Gulfstream V that can travel 6,300 miles. It is one of the planes used regularly by Hastert, Pelosi's office and the Pentagon said.

[Islander7]

Couldn't have said it better myself.

[Islander7]

Don't poke a hole in her, lots of green house gas there.

[stephenjohnbanker]

Sounds about right.

[humblegunner]

The president's spokesman, Tony Snow, on Thursday called the criticism "unfair" and the flap "a silly story."

I think Snow is pretty silly, too.

He used to be a talk-radio goon.. I bet he LIKES Pelosi.

[pax_et_bonum]

Looks like she's not very digestable.

[ChinaThreat]

I watched the first series of GVs coming off the floor in Savannah back in the 90s. Mrs Pelosi can rest assured that the GV will get her to FrootLoop City in much comfort and safety.

C-37As come equipped with a number of features not found on any other business jets. The avionics system is a state-of-the-art Honeywell SPZ-8500 Flight Management System with an integrated full-function Heads-Up Display. The FMS allows crews to program computers to have the aircraft arrive at point in space at a specific time. They also come equipped with enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System, and Microwave Landing System. Other important features include Tacan military navigation equipment and a military Identification Friend/Foe transponder. Full Authority Digital Engine Controls ensure critical engine operating parameters are maintained.

---

The C-37A, like other Gulfstream Vs, meets the Extended Range with Two-Engine Airplanes standards, a criterion previously only met by larger commercial aircraft operating over long stretches of water.

---

Passengers will enjoy flying on what Gulfstream claims is the quietest aircraft in production. The twin engines are located aft of the cabin bulkheads; titanium mufflers and vibration isolators will eliminate hydraulic system noise. Insulated side panels, and re-engineered windows further eliminate outside noise. The interior package includes a passenger flight information display system that can feature real-time global positioning on a moving world map, weather updates and other important information.

To top it off, this jet can cruise comfortably at an alititude of 47,000 feet or even higher depending on the eastery winds.

And to be quite honest, you could load an enitre circus on a frickin 757. But then again, im sure Pelosi masturbates to images of Hugo Chavez and his nice plantations down in Bannana Republic world. Shes doing her fair share for the "global warming" crisis.

Stalin and Mao lived very comfortable lives. Any respectful socialist realizes that the "enlightened ones" know better. There are crooks on both side. But the entitlement mentality truly makes me want to barf. Rep. Pelosi wouldn't think of living in DC where all her Democratic brethren have created such a "beautiful" city. [GAGGING WITH FULL RETCHED NASUEA]

[glaseatr]

I've seen a few 1st Cav emblems but I can't recall that tone..LOL

[McBuff]

[El Gato]

So I guess the plane CAN make it coast to coast without refueling after all

The earlier talk was of a C-20B, which is a Gulfstream III. It can make the trip too, most of the time. But maybe not if the jet stream is feeling frisky.

[Loud Mime]

Pelosi Galore's Flying Circus


from some other Freeper...

[Loud Mime]

tony is following orders...he's working for Bush now.

[El Gato]

There should never have been passed a law stating that the Speaker should have military transport for security reasons.

There is no such "law". Just regulations of the 89th Airlift wing, which reflect DoD and White House policy. The C-20 and C-37 (along with C-9s) are operated by the 99th Airlift Squadron

[El Gato]

. As was pointed out earlier, the smaller aircraft can fly the route non-step IF the weather conditions/atmospherics are right. Sometimes they will be, sometimes they won't.

Since the C-37A's range is over twice the distance from DC to SFO, I'm sure they can make it even with headwind. The same would not have been true for the C-37A's older sibling the C-20B, which is a Gulfstream III, although it's stated range also exceeds the DC-SFO distance.

[True Republican Patriot]

As was pointed iut in earlier threads, even the G 3 has plenty of no matter the headwinds. The range was purely a SMOKESCREEN by the Pelosi Flying Circus to get a 757 and play the role of VP.

[True Republican Patriot]

As was pointed out in earlier threads, even the G 3 has plenty of range no matter the headwinds. The range was purely a SMOKESCREEN by the Pelosi Flying Circus to get a 757 and play the role of VP.

[napscoordinator]

I think we ought to lock the place up and only let them meet 1 week a year. Greyhound (round trip) tickets should be issued at no cost. Jasons could cater "lunch boxes" Motel 6 could provide sleeping arrangements. 2 to a room. No pets.



LAMOROTF. That is just too funny. Could you imagine it. I especially love the two to a room. There would be a mutiny for sure.

[stephenjohnbanker]

Hillary will soon ask for the latest space shuttle from NASA

[montag813]

A very silly situation we best the very best of.

[EyeGuy]

"Tony Snow, on Thursday called the criticism "unfair" and the flap "a silly story.

And just what is 300,000 bucks cost one way is so unfair or silly, Tony??"


Tony Snow: Getting comfortable with the Beltway mentality. Sad.

[tcrlaf]

You mean she fit her ENRIRE EGO into the shell of a Gulfstream V????????