The time Air Force One went up, but didn’t (technically) come down…

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “what goes up must come down.” But it might surprise you to learn that this isn’t true of Air Force One! Not exactly, at least.

What I’m talking about is the fact that Air Force One has technically taken off more times than it landed. This seemingly impossible factoid is a product of President Richard Nixon’s resignation in 1974.

As a result of the Watergate scandal, Nixon was forced to resign, leading to his vice president, Gerald Ford, assuming the presidency. When the transfer of power took place and Ford was sworn in on August 9, 1974, Nixon had already taken off on Air Force One. But Air Force One isn’t actually the name of the plane (because there are usually multiple of them in use at once), but rather, it’s the plane’s air traffic control sign.

So once Nixon stopped being president, his plane stopped being Air Force One. Colonel Ralph Albertazzie, who was flying the plane over Missouri at the time, said the following over the radio:

“Kansas City, this was Air Force One. Will you change our call sign to Sierra Alpha Mike (SAM) 27000?"

Back came the reply: "Roger, Sierra Alpha Mike 27000. Good luck to the President."

It’s both a very fun fact and a reminder about the importance of precise language. Obviously, the plane Nixon was on took off and landed, but apparently it was not Air Force One for both those events…who would’ve thunk it?

I’m far from an aviation expert, but I can tell you that precise language and attention to detail are very important in my area of expertise, too. Our country’s tax code and all the red tape which you have to cut through in your retirement planning are confusing. Often times, they’re designed that way intentionally.

That’s why it can be so important to have an experienced professional like myself guiding you along the way.

Call my office at (480) 513-1830 or grab some time on my calendar, and we can make sure your retirement has both a smooth takeoff AND landing.

Warmly, Charles

Charles C. Scott AIF®, CDP®

ACCREDITED INVESTMENT FIDUCIARY®CERTIFIED DEMENTIA PRACTITIONER®

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