Air Force One Pavilion at the Ronald Reagan Library: Taking Business Travel to a Whole New Level

Ever wanted to see what it was like to fly as the President of the United States? Well, come on down to the City of Simi Valley, California and visit the only Air Force One on display at the Ronald Reagan Library. Perched atop a hill with sweeping views of the valley below, the Ronald Reagan Library is dedicated to the values, actions and spirit of determination that made Ronald Reagan one of America’s most beloved President.  Here, you can step aboard the same “Flying White House”  that flew President Reagan over 660,000 miles to over 46 states and 26 foreign countries.

This Air Force One, tail number 27000, flew seven US Presidents from 1973 to 2001, including Presidents Nixon, Carter, Ford, Reagan, HW Bush, Clinton and GW Bush.  The tour is self guided and is one of Southern California’s “must see” attractions.  Other exhibits on display in the Air Force One Pavilion include his presidential limousine, motorcade and Marine One. Here are some nerdy facts about the Air Force One on display:

1. 27000, A Boeing 707, was accepted into the Air Force on August 4, 1972 after 200 hours of testing.
2. Richard Nixon was the first president to use 27000 in February 1973 from Andrews AFB to Chicago.
3. 27000’s replacement, a Boeing 747 with tail number 28000, was ordered by the Reagan administration but was not received until 1990 in the Bush administration.
4. The Reagan Library received 27000 in a decommissioning ceremony on September 8, 2001 at the San Bernardino International Airport.
5. 27000 seats 52 passengers plus Air Force crew.
6. The wingspan is 145 feet 9 inches and is 152 feet 11 inches long.
7. 27000 has a cruising speed of 540 nautical mph and a range of 6650 nautical miles.

Admission to the Air Force One Pavilion is included in the ticket price for the Ronald Reagan Library.  In addition to the Air Force One Pavilion and the Reagan Museum, the Library also host many traveling exhibits throughout the year.  On display now is the Life and Times of Abraham Lincoln exhibit.  Check out my photos below and let me know what you think.

Unfortunately, photos are not permitted inside the Air Force One so I couldn’t show you any.