I feel kind of sheepish not knowing better, but while flying into National Airport earlier this week I photographed what I thought was Air Force One. Turns out it is just an exact replica…and one that is open to the public and will soon be moving to New York City.
Air Force One Replica Moving to New York
Part of the Children’s Democracy Project, the 1:1 replica of the Boeing 747-200 offers not just a look into what the President’s transport looks like, but a look into the history of presidential travel.
It has been in Washington, DC’s National Harbor for the last two years but will travel to New York City this autumn (ironically, by boat) and is intended to be a temporary exhibit at locales across the nation.
In addition to the museum housing artifacts including JFK’s original AF1 chair, inside the aircraft you can experience a mock-up of the forward cabin of Air Force One, including the Presidential Office, Conference Room, and sleeping quarters of the President.
Here are a couple videos I found interesting:
Air Force One replica will give visitors a 90-minute learning experience beginning October. 19th @WTOP @NationalHarbor pic.twitter.com/HLlBPvR4TT
— Melissa Howell (@Mhowell003) October 1, 2018
The Air Force One Experience has arrived here at @NationalHarbor @WTOP ✈️ pic.twitter.com/bT3yuhZ2hz
— Melissa Howell (@Mhowell003) October 1, 2018
Tickets are rather steep at $30/each, but there are discounts if you go in a group. Right now the Washington exhibit is only open to school groups (thanks COVID-19…).
The specifics for New York have not been announced, but I think Air Force One would make a stunning juxtaposition next to Lady Liberty!
CONCLUSION
I love airplanes and I love presidential history. Next time I am in New York, I do intend to check this out.
Have you checked out the Air Force One replica? Was it worthwhile?
image: Children’s Democracy Project
Seems like a waste of a 747. Why not wait for the current one to retire so they can show the actual plane.
As for all of the 747s that are now junk status because the airlines are no longer using them, I have always liked the idea of making them into small hotels or hostels, like that one in Sweden. Very cool.
That mock-up probably isn’t an actual 747, just a life-size model.
The exhibit website FAQ page says it’s an actual 747: https://www.airforceoneexperience.com/faqs
Seems like a waste to move it to NYC during Covid, when it can’t be completely open.
Also, we should thank POTUS for Covid, since his lying and inaction got us to where we are.
Go to the National Museum of the USAF in Dayton, Ohio,,,,go on board the real AF Ones, from Roosevelt thru Kennedy….
The Air Force one, tug boat pilot “Land Ho!”
as New York harbor comes into view….