The $6000/hour figure for AF1 only scratches the surface.

[karlrschneider]

As a chief pilot for a medium sized corporation for many years, I know that the cost of fuel is only a fraction of the actual cost which must include, among other things depreciation, reserve for overhaul, crew salaries, storage, consumables (I don't know how much a tire for a 747 costs but it has to be a lot more than the $750 we used to pay for our much smaller ones)...insurance (or maybe they don't have it..?)...cleaning, polishing, paint touchup and so forth.

And don't forget that most of these expenses are incurred whether the a/c is flown a little or a lot (the PER HOUR cost goes 'down' of course the more it's used, but they are still there.)

[Rick Myers]

1. Here's the REAL number, per USA Today from the last election

"...$56,800-per-hour the Air Force estimates it costs to run Air Force One..."

http://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/nation/president/2004-06-01-air-force-one_x.htm

SIX GRAND MY ASS!!! FIFTY SIX GRAND PER HOUR!!!

[karlrschneider]

3. Good find, saw your OP on this.

sounds about right.


ks

[Lancer]

2. I think what people wanted to see

was a symbol that the president who's asking all of us to sacrifice is willing to do the same, even on a minor level.

I got the same feeling when W kept telling us "we're at war." OK, so where's the sacrifice we at home are expected to make to support the war?